Smoke & Mirrors: The NonIssue

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& MIRRORS SMOKE M O V I E S / G A M I N G / T V / R E T R O & M O R E w o r l d e x c l u s i v e f i r s t i s s u e • d o w n l o a d n o w o n In Praise of. . . . Looks at our the greatness of Breaking Bad and Total War Great Interviews: We talk to author Hugh Howey, upcoming director Andy Stewart and Pledge Records’ Benji Rogers Hollywood Jesus A look at the classic Blade Runner PLUS : TV THEME TUNES, THE ASPHALT SERIES … AND 40 YEARS ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

THE THINGS YOU LOVE. COVERED. w o r l d e x c l u s i v e f i r s t i s s u e • d o w n l o a d n o w o n AMPED UPISSUE1•AUGUST2013 DELECROIX’S BIG INTERVIEW: Felicien talks to Gerry Corr of STG Promotions DAVID’S BIG INTERVIEW THE MUSIC MAN: James Forrest talks to Gerry Cinnamon about his life’s work in music THE TURNAROUND: George Paterson talks about the lunch date that changed his life. ALSO IN OUR FIRST ISSUE: CHERYL SCOTT / HERCULEAN / EDDIE & THE T-BOLTS / SHE CRIED WOLF / THE HOLY GHOSTS / THE SLIM PANATELLAS / BELTUR / PARALLAX FACTION AND MUCH MORE . . . . LOCAL HEROESGlasvegas are the first cover stars for Amped Up Magazine Scotland. Read our exclusive interview FAMOUS TARTAN ARMY MAGAZINEwww. Famoustartanarmy. comIssue 14 IN THIS ISSUE : WEMBLEY HERE WE COME! CROATIA MATCH AFTERMATH. A LOOK BACK AT THE AULD RIVALRY. INTERVIEWS WITH GORDON STRACHAN,CRAIG BROWN, BILLY STARK AND DARREN FLETCHER HAPPY TO PROMOTE ALBAGU BRÀTH! & MIRRORS SMOKE M O V I E S / G A M I N G / T V / R E T R O & M O R E w o r l d e x c l u s i v e f i r s t i s s u e • d o w n l o a d n o w o n In Praise of. . . . We talk the genius potions of Heisenburg A Day at the Movies. . . James looks at Tony Stark’s triumphant return! Retro Games. . . We revisit the awesome C64 computer PLUS : TV / MOVIE REVIEWS / DANIEL CRAIG / AVENGERS 2 / JUSTICE LEAGUE AND MORE PUBLISHING MADE SIMPLE www. lbmpublishing. com

Contents Page 8: In Praise Of Breaking Bad James Forrest looks at the iconic TV show some are calling the greatest ever Page 18: In Praise Of Total War James Forrest examines the greatest game series out there … and embraces his armchair tyrant Page 28: Hollywood Jesus John Paul Fitch examines one of cinema’s finest movies; Blade Runner Page 38: In Defiance Of Convention? Iain Boyce watched the first episode of Defiance, hoping for something different …. Page 42: It’s A Theme Tune … But Not As We Know It! Iain Boyce mourns the dearth of great television theme tunes and looks back at his favourites Page 46: Organic Thinking Our editor Johnny Organ lets loose … on Supermeatboy …. Page 50: By Horror Haunted – An Interview With Andy Stewart Johnny Organ interviews one of Scotland’s up-coming talents, writer/director Andy Stewart Page 56: Burning The Asphalt Johnny Organ looks at the Asphalt games series … and why he keeps coming back for more Page 64: Let’s Get Ready To Rumble Alexandra McArthur looks at the looming battle between Microsoft & Sony over the next generation of gaming consoles Page 66: 40 Years on the Dark Side Alexandra McArthur looks at The Dark Side of the Moon, in its 40th Anniversary year Page 68: Wool: Spinning a Great Story James Forrest talks to Hugh Howey, one of independent publishing’s best known success stories – and all round nice guy – about his iconic Wool series. Page 70: Sci-Fi By The Sea Thom Burgess attended a seaside event like no other recently … Page 72: Taking The Pledge Alex McArthur spoke to Pledge Music’s Benji Rogers about his efforts to change the music business forever … Page 76: Grant Morrison’s Seven Greatest Comic Books John Paul Fitch looks back on the work of the great Grant Morrison and reviews the best of them & MIRRORS SMOKE M O V I E S / G A M I N G / T V / R E T R O & M O R E CREDITS Publisher: LBM Publishing Managing Editor: James Forrest james@lbmpublishing. com Editor: Paul “Johnny Organ” Doonan johnny@lbmpublishing. com Contributors: John Paul Fitch, Iain Boyce, Alexandra McArthur Head of Creative: Thom Burgess, Captcha Studios thom@lbmpublishing. com Thanks to: Andy Stewart and the team at AndyErupts, to Benji Rodgers of Pledge Records, to everyone at Sci-Fi By The Sea and to independent author and good bloke Hugh Howey. All pictures are the property of the copyright owners, and are used under Fair Dealing legislation. MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 3

JAMES FORREST Newscottishwriting. . . . WithaChainsaw “Dark, edgy, savage. . . :” Amazon Reviews “Gripping” Amazon Reviews Now available on

Hi guys and thanks for joining us here for the first issue of Smoke & Mirrors Magazine. This project is the brainchild of myself, Thom Burgess and Paul Doonan, who you’ll come to know as Johnny Organ. It’s the first in-house magazine from LBM Publishing, which we’re delighted to be launching with this issue. This is our first issue in many. We’ve got a great team here, and we aim to make every issue better than the last. But like every other project of its kind, what we need more than good writers and good designers are good readers. People who will tell us when we’ve hit the nail, and who’ll tell us when we’re full of shit. Most important, we want readers who get involved … which means we want to hear from you. We’re opening the doors to let you write what you want about the things you love … or simply rant about those which you hate. This is your magazine as much as it is ours. We’ve got only one policy when it comes to content writers … they must be passionate about what they’re writing about. We will not be afraid of a little controversy either. That’s what it’s all about, of course. In the meantime, in this issue we’re looking at some of the things we love across those “rainy day pastimes” this magazine will write about. We look at the iconic television show Breaking Bad. We’re singing the praises of Total War, and Blade Runner. We take a peek at those TV jingles which ain’t what they used to be and at the 7 greatest comic books from the legendary Grant Morrison. We’re also taking a look back at 40 years of the Dark Side of the Moon and in an exclusive interview we’re all very pleased with, we’re talking to one of Scotland’s up and coming writer/directors, Andy Stewart, who’s short Dysmorphia wowed (and shocked) audiences earlier this year. All in, friends, this is a heck of a first issue. And we’re only going to get better! Welcome to Smoke & Mirrors! James Forrest Publishers Blog MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 5

Well hello there. How’s it going? Thanks for joining us here at Smoke And Mirrors, for the very first issue of our magazine. We hope you enjoy the ride. I want you to look forward to joining us every month. I want you to feel part of the team. Part of the family. And not the weird uncle that looks at your sister funny. Instead I want you to embrace us like that family member that turns up at your door at least once a month and tell you everything that’s been happening in their life whilst you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a bourbon biscuit in the afternoon. It’s issue one and it feels like a family here already. In truth, I’ve known 80% of the writers for a good part of my life. The only guy on the team I have gotten to know via this mag is Thom, who designs it. Of course once I had seen the man’s prowess with a Photoshop and a graphic design I was glad to take him in as one of my Johnny o & MIRRORS SMOKE M O V I E S / G A M I N G / T V / R E T R O & M O R E own! What wonders the man produces! Iain, John Paul and James I’ve known since my school years. Alex and I met 10 years ago on the Glasgow music scene and we’ve remained tight ever since. When the opportunity arose for me to essentially assemble my own writing team and write about whatever we wanted, these guys were absolute no brainers. And I reckon my instincts were bang on the money. I’m sure that over the coming months you’ll grow to love them all as much as I do. As well as the new additions that’ll no doubt pop in along the way. In the meantime I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just email the inbox for a chance to feature of the letter’s page next month. ‘Til then! Johnny O. EDITORS BLOG MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 7

BREAKING BAD TELEVISION’S NEW GOLDEN AGE HAS BROUGHT US SO MANY OUTSTANDING SHOWS YOU’D THINK IT’D BE HARD TO PICK A BEST ONE. JAMES FORREST HAS A FAVOURITE. HERE, HE SINGS THE PRAISES OF “THE GREATEST DRAMA EVER TO GRACE THE SMALL SCREEN”; AMC’S WhentheteamatLazyBumTowerswere planningthefirstissueofthismagazine,therewasalotofdebateaboutwho shouldbeonthecover. DamienLewis mighthavegrabbedhimselfanEmmy, butrightnowthesmallscreenbelongs toBryanCranston,andWalterWhite,the characterheplayswithsuchpassion,and frighteningintensity. Yes,rightnowthesmallscreenbelongs toBreakingBad. Ihavenointentionofhedgingmybets In Praise of. . . BREAKING BAD 8 SMOKE & MIRRORS Frank Ockenfels Lewis Jacobs Gregory Peters Ursula Coyote

BREAKING BAD. here. BreakingBadisnotonlythe greatestdramaevertogracethesmall screen,it’sthegreatestTVshowofall time. Iknowsomeofyouaregoingto disagreeandsayMadMen;TheWire, TheSimpsons,orTheSopranos. There mightevenbesomesayingDeadwood orDexter,GameofThronesorThe WalkingDead. Allofthoseareperfectly acceptablepointsofview,asallthose showsaretheabsolutemuttsnuts. BreakingBadrulesoverthemall. It’sashowastenseasameetingwith TucoSalamanca,basedonapremiseas wackyasaJessiePinkmanplanandas addictiveasWalter’sfamousbluemeth. (Andifyouareunclearonwhoanyofthe guysIjustmentionedare,stopreading now,becausetherewillbeenough spoilersinwhatcomesnexttoentirely ruinthisshowforyou. ) Fortheuninitiated(andwherehaveyou been?)theshowisaboutamannamed WalterWhite,ahighschoolchemistry teacherwhogetsembroiledinthedrug businessafterbeingdiagnosedwith cancer. Waltwasonceanoutstanding chemist,amanwithabigfutureahead ofhim,butnowisamanwhoselifehas stagnated. Heconsidershimselfafailure, untilhisdiagnosisliberateshim,and unleashestheinnerman. Hestartsoutcookingmethsohehas somethingtoleavehisfamilywhenhe dies,butastimegoesbyandhegrows moreintotherolehefashionsforhimself –thatofHeisenberg,hisalterego– Waltermoreandmorecomestolose piecesofhissoul. WhatmakesBreakingBadsogood?Well, “ ThereisamomentwhereWalter realiseshisinvitetoabirthdayparty isajobinterviewindisguise,which itselfissimplyadressedupofferof charity. Inanothermomentthatis breathtaking,wewatchthemanwe firstmetasaluckless,washedup,50 yearoldhigh-schoolchemistryteacher walksintotheheadquartersofa tattooeddrugdealingthugand takesoutthewholeplacewitha crazyhandfulofnothing. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 9 Gregory Peters

let’sstartwithsayingthatthecastis stellar. CranstonandAaronPaul,who playsJessie,getthebulkofthepraise, andthatisdeserved,butfranklyeveryone inthisshowperformstoaphenomenally highstandard. Look,forexample,attheperformance ofMarkMargolis,whoseroleasHector Salamancaisoneofthebesttelevision hasseeninmany,manyayear. When wefirstmeetHectorhe’sanoldmanin awheel-chair,paralysedbyastroke. His onemeansofcommunicationistheuse ofabell. YetwatchMargolisplaythepart. His everyexpressionisrevealing. Hiseyes narrowortearup;hisfacecontortsin anger,ortwitchesinsadnessordismay. Thenwhenweseehim,intwo spectacularflashbacks,beforethestroke, thesneeringcontempt,thearrogance, thecrueltyinhisbehaviour,theygivehim anotherdimension,andmaketheold maninthewheelchairevenmore compelling. Itistotheenormouscreditof Margolis,andofcoursetoVinceGilligan, thatasappallingasheis,welatercome tofeelsympathyforoldHector,andeven agrudgingrespect. Thisisnosmallfeat andit’smarvelloustelevision. ThenthereisBobOdenkirk,whoplays thesleazy,buthugelyeffectivelawyer, SaulGoodman. Isthereamore compellingsupportingroleonTVthan his?Attimesbrilliantlyfunny,atothers cringe-inducing,butneverlessthan wonderfultowatch,Goodmanisoneof TV’smostcolourfulandengaging characters,becausehisdemeanour, dresssense,styleandoverallimagegive theviewertheimpressionwe’rewatching aclown,someonewhocan’tpossiblybe anygood,when,infact,. Goodmanhasa sharp,legalandstrategicmind. In Praise of. . . BREAKING BAD 10 SMOKE & MIRRORS Frank Ockenfels

Fewshowshaveevergivenusmomentslikewe seeonthisone. Everysingleepisodehasatleast onescenewhichburnsintoyourbrain. Inthefirst, Waltertakesouttwodrugdealersinamobile methlab,usinghischemistryskills. Inthesecond thereisamomentofgruesomehilarity,ashis drop-outpartnerignoreshisinstructionstobuya plasticbininwhichtodestroyabody,andtriesout disposalwithacidinhisownbathtub. Myabidingmemoryofthethirdepisodeisnotthe killinginthebasementbutthemomentinthe kitchenwhenWalterfindsabrokenplate…with onemissingpiece. Wehavethescene,both movingandfunny,withthe“talkingpillow”. There isamomentwhereWalterrealiseshisinvitetoa birthdaypartyisajobinterviewindisguise,which itselfissimplyadressedupofferofcharity. Inanothermoment,wewatchasthemanwefirst metasaluckless,washedup,50yearold high-schoolchemistryteacherwalksintothe headquartersofatattooeddrugdealingthugand takesoutthewholeplacewitha“crazyhandfulof nothing. ” Intheepisodewhichfollows,weseethe brutalmurderofadrughenchman,atthehandsof hisinsaneboss. AndthesearejustthehighlightsfromSeasonOne. "Bryan Cranston s biggest rolebefore BreakingBadwas starring inMalcolmin the Middle;astrange choice, somemight have thought,but Vince Gilligan knew better. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 11 Ursula Coyote

In Praise of. . . InSeason2weseethemomentwhich,in retrospect,isperhapsthemostimportantinthe show. Walterhasdiscoveredthecancerisin remission. Thecriminalactshehascommitted toprovidehisfamilywithfinancialsecuritywhen he’sgonearenolongernecessary. Walterisina betterplacethanhe’sbeeninyears. Hehasawife andsonwholovehim. Hehasanewfoundsense ofself,and,withcash,andaverylargequantityof methonhand,hehasthefinancialsecurityhehas craved. Yethe’sfrustratedandangry. Atthepartyhiswife organisestocelebratehisgoodnews,hepicksa fightwithhisbrotherinlaw. Thefollowingday,he beginstotearthehouseapartlookingfordry-rot. Hisfamilywatcheshiminwaryincomprehension, andstaysoutofhisway. Waltislostinhisown thoughts,barelyabletodiscernwhatitishe reallywants. Duringatriptothehardwarestore, hemeetsamanwithashoppingtrolleyfullof chemicalswhichWaltrecognisesonlytoowell. Hegivesthemansomesageadviceonhowtogo shoppingformethsuppliesand,shakinghishead, takeshisplaceinthecheckoutline. Thensomethingcomesoverhim. Heputsdown hisplannedpurchases,andwalksoutofthestore. Helooksaroundthecarpark. Hespotstheman, standingwithanother,andhestridesover,hisface astonemask. Thebiggerofthetwomenwalks towardshim,andtheysizeoneanotherup. Walt’s facechanges,justaflicker,butit’senough. It conveysaworldofdarkconsequencesshouldhis wordsgounheeded,anditisthosewordswhich tellusthatWalthasarrivedathisdecision,and,in termsofhispersonaljourney,athisdestination. Everythingthatfollowsflowsfromthismoment. BREAKING BAD 12 SMOKE & MIRRORS Frank Ockenfels

“Stayoutofmyterritory,”Waltsays. ThisistheturningpointinWalt’slife whichVinceGilliganenvisionedwhenhe pitchedtheshowasthestoryofhow“Mr ChipsturnsintoScarface. ”Thisisthe momentthetwofacesofWalterWhite swapover. Withthosefivewordshe becomesHeisenberg,themythicalfigure hecreatedashiscoversohecould navigatethedrugworld. MrWhite,thedevotedfather,teacherand everymanisthedecent,upstandingface heshowshisfamily,hisfriendsandhis colleagues,butthatfaceisnowamask. ThisisthemomentWalterWhitebecomesaruthless,coldbloodedcriminal. Considerwhathappensintheverynext episode,whenhisoperationsuffersa casualty. Thereisnofear,orconsideration forthemanwhohasbeenkilled. Walter’s firstinstinctistoseek“payback”. His embraceofthisnewlifeistotal,and unwavering,aswewouldexpectfroma manwhostrodeintothedenofamajor drugdealerarmedwithanexplodingice shard,andwholaterwalksintothe businessestablishmentofanevenbigger playerandbluffshiswaytoasit-down. Fromthemoment,intheveryfirst episode,whenWalteruseschemistry tokillonedrugdealerandimmobilise another,weseeamancapableof astonishingruthlessness. When,inan episodesomewaydowntheline,another charactertellshimatalewherethe moralis“nohalfmeasures”,wedonot needtoseewhatcomesnextto understandthat,forWalt,that’snever beenanissue. MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 13 Ursula Coyote Ursula Coyote

WalterWhiteistelevision’sfinestcreation,leaving allwhocamebeforehimtrailinginthedust. He doesn’tstandalongsideasmuchastoweroverthe othergreatanti-heroes. Asmuchaswerootedfor, andattimeshated,TonySoprano, DexterMorgan,VicMackie,Enoch“Nucky” Thompson,OmarLittleandothers,Walterstands headandshouldersaboveallofthembecausehe startedoutasoneofus,andwe’vewatchedhis transformationateverystepalongtheway. Waltcouldhavebeen(couldbe)theguynextdoor. Theneighbouryouwavetoonyourwayoutthe door,theguyplayingwithhiskidsdownthepark, theguyyoucutinfrontofinthegroceryqueue,the guyyoucutoffinyourcar… Suchanamazingcharactercouldnothavebeen fullyrealisedhadthecastingnotbeenspoton, andVinceGilligan,theshow’screator,knewthe manhewantedfortheWalterWhiteroleevenas hewaswritingthepilot. BryanCranston’sbiggest rolebeforeBreakingBadwasstarringinMalcolm intheMiddle;astrangechoice,somemighthave thought,butVinceGilliganknewbetter. Years before,hehaddirectedanepisodeoftheXFiles, whereCranstonplayedadarkandviolentpart, andthetwohadbecomefriends. Gilligan’spitchto AMC,to“takeMrChipsandturnhiminto Scarface”wouldhavebeenunworkablewitha “name”actorattached. Cranston,withhisown everymanbackground,wasperfect. Gilliganhasassembledateamof cinematographersanddirectorswhotakethe visualelementsoftheshowtoalevelunseenon mostothertelevisionproductions. Scenesopen withweirdandwonderfulcameraangles. One memorablemomentopenswithWalterandJessie appearingtocleanbloodoffthecamera,and anotheropenswitheggsbeingfriedonthelens. TheuseofwidescreencamerasshowsNew Mexicoinallitsbeauty,andtheopeningmontages aresimplyworksofart. FewTVshowswouldhavethegutstousetheir introductionstoilluminatethebiggerpictureinthe wayBreakingBaddoes. In Praise of. . . BREAKING BAD “When we met Hank at the start of Season 1 he was an arrogant blowhard, full of bluster and ego. His behaviour toward Walt was patronising at best. Yet as Walt began to tap his inner beast, Hank wasmaking a psychological journey of his own. " 14 SMOKE & MIRRORS Lewis Jacobs

MidwaythroughSeason2,whenallweknow ofWalter’sbusinessisthatthemethhemakes issellingonthestreetsofAlbuquerque,there isanopeningsceneunlikeanyotherI’veseen; amusicvideo,anarcocorrido(asongabout crime;thesearepopularinMexico,andthe singer’sreputationdependsonthembeing factual),aboutthebluestuffandhowit’s popularityhasspreadacrosstheborderand drawntheinterestofthedrugcartels. Ittook realgutstoopenthestoryup andwidenits scopeusingamusicvideo. It’samomentof sheerbrilliance…somethingBreakingBad doesittimeandtimeagain;fromanadvertfor afastfoodchaintoaflashbacksceneinvolving anaginggangsterwatchinghisnephewsplay …thisshowopenswithscenesnootherwould dare. Everygoodanti-heroneedsanenemy,and BreakingBadhasgivenWaltercompelling opponents. TucoSalamancawasfirst,a bull-likedrug-taking,ranting,raving psychopathwhoputsoutlitcigarettesonhis tongueandlivesbythenotionthatsometimes youhavetostealtoprotectwhat’syours. Next wasthedruglordGusFring,playedbythe MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 15 Carin Baer Ursula Coyote Ursula Coyote

In Praise of. . . magnificentGiancarloEsposito,wholookedrefined eveninafastfoodsuitandtie,butwho’scalm innersurfacehidaviolent,dangerous,icykiller withpitilessresolve. Mostunexpectedly,though,is theemergenceofWalt’sbrotherinlaw,Hank,asthe realthreat. Walt’stransformationismirroredinthatofHank, andthisisoneofthethingsthatelevatedBreaking Bad’sfourthseasontothepantheonoftrue greatness. WhenwemetHankatthestartofSeason 1hewasanarrogantblowhard,fullofblusterand ego. HisbehaviourtowardWaltwaspatronisingat best. YetasWaltbegantotaphisinnerbeast,Hank wasmakingapsychologicaljourneyofhisown. Bythemid-waypointinSeason5,inthesameway Waltisnolongerthemild-manneredloserfrom thebeginning,Hankisnolongertheoffensive,big headedtoughguy. He’snowathinkingman,deeply rational,insightfulandshrewd. Thedifferencebetweenthemenisnevermore starklyilluminatedthanintheirreactiontohavingto BREAKING BAD killafellowhumanbeing. Waltcommitscold-bloodedmurderwithhardlyablink. Hankiswrackedby guiltandself-doubt,evenwhenheactsinthelineof duty. Furthermore,Hankownshismistakes,andis preparedtolivewiththeconsequences. Walt rationalisesthethingshedoes,andusuallyfinds awaytoblamethemonsomebodyelse. IloveBreakingBad. Ilovethewriting,Ilovethe characters,Ilovethewayittwistsyouandteasesyou andholdsyou. Itisthinkingman’sTV. Itbelievesin showing,nottelling…andittruststheaudienceto keepup. Alongwithgreatset-piecemoments(theendof theSeason3episodeentitled“OneMinute”is staggering),itpacksanemotionalpunchfew othershowscancomeclosetomatching. TelevisionishavingaGoldenAgerightnow,andin thelastfewyearsI’vebeenluckytoseesomeofthe bestshowsevermade. BreakingBadtowersover themall. 16 SMOKE & MIRRORS Ursula Coyote

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF FAMOUS TARTAN ARMY SCOTLAND’S NEWEST MUSIC MAGAZINE www. AMPEDUPSCOTLAND. com www. lbmpublishing. com

Total WarINAGAMINGWORLDMOREANDMOREGEARED TOWARDSTHOSEWITHSHORTATTENTIONSPANS, JAMESFORREST’SFIRSTLOVEISASERIESWHICH REQUIRESCOOLTHINKING,DEDICATION,STAYING POWERANDRESOLVE’ASWELLASALUSTFORBLOOD, POWERANDAWILLTOASSUMETHEVAST RESPONSIBILITIESOFANEMPIRE. BOWTHEKNEETO THETEAMATCREATIVEASSEMBLY ANDTHEARTOF TOTALWAR. In Praise of. . . archers,withtheirarrowsreadytounleashdeath. Mostimportantly,behindmearemymost devastatingweapons,theonagers,greatcatapults, capableoflaunchingballsoffiredownintothat town,incineratingbuildingsandburningunitstothe bone. Thisismysecondtimetryingtotakethisplace. Thefirstattemptwasadisaster. Ididn’tbringthe onagers,andtriedtorelyontheuseofsiege towers. Theydidn’tevenmakeittothewalls. They wereburnedtothegroundastheyinchedtheirway forward,andthetroopswhohadhopedtoclimb themweresentscatteringasflamingarrowsrained down. Mybatteringramsfaredjustasbadly,andI wasforcedtowithdraw. IhadshamedRome. Ihave returnedtotakemyrevenge,andregainmyhonour, andbringthiswarwithinsightoftheend. ThistownliesjustwestofamountainpassIalready It’smid-afternoon,andI’monahilloverlookinga smalltowninnorthwestEurope. It’scloudyout,and alightrainisfallingsteadily. There’ssomething goingonbehindthewalls,butI’mnot100%sure whatitisatthisdistance. It’sprobablyarowofspearmen,butitcouldbe morearchers,likethosewhostandpoisedonthe ramparts,waitingtoseeifI’mstupidenoughto sendtroopswithinrange. I’msittingonahorse,asbefitsageneral. My bodyguardunitsaretomyright,chompingatthebit. Besideme,ontheleft,rowsofsoldiersstandready tomarchdownthathillonmycommand. Theyare UrbanCohorts,thebestinfantryintheworld. They aretheonlyreasonIwoulddarefacesuch difficultodds. Ihavesixsuchunits,touseasI please,augmentedbythreeunitsofauxiliary Total War 18 SMOKE & MIRRORS All images copyright Creative Assembly 2013

hold. It’sprobablynotanexaggerationtosaythis placeisthekeytothenorth. Iwantit. I’mtakingit. Igivetheorder. Theonagersareloaded. Asecond ortwolater,theprojectilesarehurtlingtowardsthe walls,andIamsatisfiedtoseeoneslamintothe battlements,sendingenemytroopsfalling,somein flames. IambecomeDeath. Thesackerofcities. The destroyerofworlds. ThisisTotalWar. Thisiswhatkeepsmecoming backformore. CreativeAssemblyreleasedthefirstTotalWar gamein2001. ItwascalledShogun. Iwaslate gettingtotheparty. Itwas2007beforeIboughtmy firstTotalWartitle,andIdidsowithgreat trepidation. I’vealwayslovedrealtimestrategy games,butthoseofthebasebuilding,resource gatheringvariety. Thisclearlywasn’toneofthose, andalthoughthebattlescreenshotslooked absolutelyimmense,IwonderedifI’denjoyplaying it. Whatswungmeweresomeofthebestgame reviewsIhadeverread. Rome:TotalWarseemed tohavegarneredalmostuniversalacclaim. When IreceivedmycopyinthepostItriedtokeepmy expectationsinmoderation,inspiteofthepraise heapedonthetitle. Ineedn’thavebothered. Had theybeententimeswhattheywere,thisgame wouldhavemetthem. Itwas,andstillis, unbelievable. WhentheMedievalIIGoldEditiondroppedthrough theletterboxsomeweekslater,Irealisedhow specialitwastheminuteIinstalledit. Thefirsttime IplayedthatgameIwasblownawaybyagraphics enginewhichfullyrepresenteddifferentregions, weathereffectsandnightanddaycombat. Rome andit’sexpansionpacks,thewonderfulBarbarian InvasionandAlexander(acrackingstand-alonetitle which,althoughpartoftheRomeseriesdepicted thewarsofAlexandertheGreatinstead)had experimentedwithsomeofthesethings…but MedievalIIperfectedthem. IbooteduptheCrusadescampaign. Iplayeditfor daysbeforeIevenbotheredtotryouttheBritannia one,anditwasthiscampaignwhichmadean addictoutofme. AsaScot,tobeabletocommand anarmyledbyWilliamWallace…Holyshit! Idon’tthinkItouchedtheGrandCampaignfor months. WhenIfinallydid,Ifoundadepthtoit whichwasbreath-taking. Takingcommandofthe French,Ifoundmyselfjugglingdiplomacy,war, economicsandevenreligion…nogameIhadever playedwasascompelling. Ididn’tjustcomeback formore. Istayed. Ofallthegamesinstalledonmy hard-drive,it’stheoneI’vereturnedtomost,time andtimeagain. IlovetheRomanera,andforme thereisnothingquitelikecommandingthelegions, butMedievalIIcanstillstealawaydaysofmylife. Likemostfansoftheseries,Idrooledoverevery Empirescreenshottheyreleased. WhenIheard theywereintroducingseabattles(whichwasthe onlymissingpieceofthejigsawinearliergames)I MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 19

In Praise of. . . wasthrilled. Icouldnotwaittocommandnotonly vastarmiesbutnavies. IwatchedMasterand Commander,anddreamtofstalkingFrenchships ontheAfricantraderoutes. Idreamtof commandingthevastSpanisharmada,andof invadingtheAmericaswithEuropeanforcesand gunningdownnativesasIconqueredtheirlands. TheTotalWarseriesdoesthattoyou. Itdoesnot makearmchairgeneralsasmuchasarmchair tyrants. Iamnotashamedtoadmitit. Ihaveput citiestothesword,andenjoyedit. Inbattles,when theenemyforceshaverouted,youaregiventhe optiontoendtheencounter,lettingtheirsoldiers flee,ortocontinueitandmassacreasmanyasyou canbeforetheyescape. Itisarareoccasionindeed whenIchoosetheformeroption. Ikidmyselfthatit’satacticaldecision;afterall, whateverenemysoldiersyouletlivewillinvariably faceyouonthebattlefieldagainsomewheredown theline,butthetruthis,Ienjoythethrillofbeinga cold-bloodedbastard. Itdelightsmewhenmygeneralsgain“dread” points. Itpleasesmewhenmynationalleader becomesknownforhisviciousnessandhatredof theenemy,andevenmoresowhenthechildrenof hislinegrowupwithablood-soakedfamilyname. I havefoundeddynastiesbasedoncruelty,andruled manykingdomsbyfear. Suchismyloveofthesegames,Ididn’tbreakfaith whenEmpireturnedouttobeabuggymessupon release,andevenmoresoonmymachinewhich mettheminimumspecificationsbutneverallowed metoexperiencethebattlesinalltheireyecatchingglory. Thecomputerwasdueanupgrade anyway,andIknewthegamewouldbeupdatedin duecourse. OfallthegamesI’veeverbought,ofall theseries’I’veloved,onlytheteamatSports Interactive,themakersofFootballManager, dedicatesomuchoftheirtimetotalkingtothefans, listeningtotheirconcernsandfixingtheissuesthey find,astheguysatCreativeAssembly. NoCAgame haseverbeenlefttodieontheshelf. Thiscompany listens,andacts. Bythetimethelastpatchfor Empirewasreleased,thegamehadfulfilledits much-heralded,andachievedgreatness. Empireisamasterpiece. Themapisenormous, andallowsyoutoplayoverthreedifferenttheatres, bringingascaletothecampaignwhichis unmatched. Iplayedoneenormous,brutaland Total War 20 SMOKE & MIRRORS

blood-soakedgamewiththeFrench,whereIlost muchofthehomelandinthefirst30turns,aftera seriesofcalamitousdecisions. YetIhadmanagedto acquireatoe-holdintheBritishIsles,by takingDublin,whichIheldoveraseriesofturnsasI consolidatedmyoverseasempiresinAfricaandthe Americas. WithinafewhoursIhadretakenParis andoverthenextdayortwoIhoistedthefleurde-lisoverfirstViennaandtheneventuallyMadrid. Bythen,LondonhadfallenandIwasinapositionto menacethecontinentalmightofPrussia. Empireplaysdifferentlytoeveryothergamein theseries(exceptNapoleon,whichusesthesame engineandgameplay),focussingontheuseofguns ratherthanonthecoldsteelofswordsandspears. Nostrategygamehasevercapturedthesights andsoundsandcarnageofwarquitelikeit. Onmy currentrig,withallthesettingsmaxedout,troops marchthroughrainandfog,halt,raisetheirrifles andopenfire,andyoucanseetheindividualmuzzle flashesandthesmokerisefromthebarrels. It reallyisabeautifulthing. Eyecandyaside,thereismoretotheTotalWar seriesthanjusttheincrediblebattles. Theverything thatmademewaryofbuyingRomeinthefirstplace isactuallythebiggestsellingpointoftheseries,and thereasonnoneofthesegamesevergetsold. The depthofthestrategyisimmense,andhasevolved withthegames. Itdoesn’tmatterwhoyouareplayingas. Youcan trytorulebytheswordbutitwon’tgetyoufarifyou haven’ttakenthetimetoforgeallianceswithother majorpowers. Declaringwarleftandrightis madness,andmakesforpainfullessons. Ifyouwantagameyoucan“crack”inasingle sitting,playsomethingelse,becauseTotalWar “I’vealwayslovedrealtime strategygames,butthoseofthe basebuilding,resource gatheringvariety. Thisclearly wasn’toneofthose,andalthough thebattlescreenshotslooked absolutelyimmense,Iwondered ifI’denjoyplayingit. Whatswung meweresomeofthebestgame reviewsIhadeverread. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 21

In Praise of. . . requiresdedication,andnogamewillrewardyou moreforthetimeyougivetoit. Youcanplaya“short” campaign,buteventhesetakemanyhoursto complete. Alargecampaign,andthisisespecially trueontheGrandCampaignsonMedievalIIand Empire,cantakedaysorevenweeks,andinnoother seriesofgamescanyourfortunesturnsoswiftly. Ineverycampaignthereisamomentwhereyour economyissostrongandyourarmiessopowerfulthatittiltsthebalancealmostirrevocablyinyour favour…butitwilltakealotofblood,sweatandtears togetthere,andeventhenyouhaveto takecarenottomovetoofast. ThereisnoquickvictoryinTotalWar. Buildingan armycostsmoney,asinmostgames,butintheTotal Warseriesyoupayfortheupkeepofyourtroops everyturn. Thelargerthearmy,thegreaterthe expense…andthismeansbalancingthenumber oftroopsyouhavewiththestateofyoureconomy. Tiltoneway,andyouwillquicklybebankrupt. Leantoofarintheotherdirectionandyoubetter hopeyourenemiesarenotmassingtroops,or you’retoast. Inthesegames,itispossibletokidyourselfthat you’vegotitmade,bycreatingtwoormorearmies andmarchingthemintoenemyterritory, capturinghugeareasbytakingprovincesoneata timeinquicksuccession,garrisoningeachoneyou conquerwithasmallforce,beforeproceedingto thenextlocationonthemap. Yetdoingsoleaves youtryingtogovernrowdy,andeventually rebellious,populations,withsmallnumbersof troops,andgivesyouahugefrontiertodefend Total War 22 SMOKE & MIRRORS

fromfoes. Thatapproachtendstoleadswiftlyto utterruination. Thebalancehastoberight. Theforgingof alliancesisbothtacticalandstrategic. InEmpire, especially,itmakessensetokeepaneyeonthe diplomaticrelationsbetweencountriesbefore embarkingonanymilitaryactionatall. Invading smallernationsforplunder,ortoimproveyour strategicposition,canendindisasterifyou’venot paidattentiontowhotheirfriendsare. Inthefirst campaigngameIplayed,asSpain,Irushedinwithoutcheckingeverythingout,andItookadvantage oftheapparentweaknessoftheUnitedProvinces (theDutch). IbuiltupthegarrisoninFlandersand Iinvadedandconqueredtheirhomelandswiftly, withoutrealisingthatwouldimmediatelydraw declarationsofwarfromBritainandAustria. Itwas “Itdelightsmewhenmy generalsgain“dread”points. It pleasesmewhenmynational leaderbecomesknownforhis viciousnessandhatredofthe enemy,andevenmoresowhen thechildrenofhislinegrowup withablood-soakedfamilyname. Ihavefoundeddynastiesbased oncruelty,andruledmany kingdomsbyfear. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 23

In Praise of. . . Total War anearlygamecalamity. ThelastreleaseintheTotalWarserieswas Shogun2anditsadd-ons. Shogun2returnedthe seriestoitsorigins,infeudalJapan. Playingas theheadofapowerfulfamily,theobjectiveisto dominateyourregionandthenmarchonKyoto. Ontopofthetraditionaldeptharethenewspecial units,who’sinfluencecanbedecisive. Employ thegeishatodistractanentirearmyorseducea general,oremployaninjatoassassinateaclan leader,andyoucanturnthetideofwarswiftlyin yourfavour. SecuretheprotectionoftheShogun, or,intheFalloftheSamuraiadd-on,thebacking ofapowerfulforeignally,andyoucanquickly becomeaforcetobereckonedwith. Angerthe wrongclan,ortheimperialdynasty,anditcanall comeapartbeforeyouknowit. PlayingShogun2isathrillingexperience. The matchengineisnearflawless,andthegamemap hasbeenbeautifullyredone. Theloadingscreens andtheinterfaceareartisticandbeautiful. The in-gameencyclopaediaisdeep,informativeand interesting,andthescenariosaresowonderfully madeitinspiredmetogoandreadabouttheera, andlearnthereallifehistorybehindthegame. Furthermore,thedesignteamatCreativeAssembly drewmuchoftheirinspirationoneofmyfavourite books,SunTzu’sTheArtofWar,whichthey’ve 24 SMOKE & MIRRORS

incorporatedintothemechanicsofthegameina waythatiswondrousandfresh. Yetforallthat,nothingthathascomebeforehas sparkedtheimaginationquitelikethepreviewsfor thenextgameinthisiconicseries,thesequeltothe classicRome. RomeII,thetitlethecommunitywantedaboveall, lookssowonderfulgraphically,andsoundssorich anddeep,that,forme,itisthemosteagerlyawaited gameinyears. ForgetallthehypeoverFIFAorthe latestfirstpersonshooter;forme,truepleasure comesfromdestroyingtheenemy,fromburninghis cities,frommassacringhisarmies,fromenslaving hiscitizensandfromplunderinghistreasury. That’s realfun. That’swhatit’sallabout. Addtothatthepromisesofpoliticalmachinations, historicalfiguresandachancetomoveRoman societyfromtheRepublictotheEmpirewiththe swingingofswords,andIcanseemeringingoff anentireweekofthecalendartodonothingbut explorethiscreation. “ForgetallthehypeoverFIFAor thelatestfirstpersonshooter; forme,truepleasurecomes fromdestroyingtheenemy, fromburninghiscities,from massacringhisarmies,from enslavinghiscitizensandfrom plunderinghistreasury. That’s realfun. That’swhatit’sall about. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 25

In Praise of. . . Total War TheTotalWartitlesmakeupthefinestseriesin gaminghistory. That’smyopinion,andIamsticking toit. Notonlyarethegamesmagnificentinevery way,butthemoddingcommunityisaneverevolvingwonder,anawesomelytalentedgroupof peoplewhohaveelevatedtheseglorioustitlestoan evenhigherplane. ThereasonIhaven’tspentpages andpagesontheminthispieceisthatI’mgoingto paythemafullertributeinthenextissue. Inthemeantime,Iamgivingthegamingcrownto theteamatCreativeAssembly,fortheir monumentalaccomplishmentssofar,andtocome. Iwillhearnodebate. Iwillallownodissent. Ihave thousandsofmenatmycommand,andIruleavast empire,floatingonanoceanofblood. Tellme;areyoureallygoingtoarguewithmeon this? “InthefirstcampaigngameI played,asSpain,Irushedin withoutcheckingeverythingout, andItookadvantageofthe apparentweaknessoftheUnited Provinces(theDutch). Ibuiltup thegarrisoninFlandersandI invadedandconqueredtheir homelandswiftly,without realisingthatwouldimmediately drawdeclarationsofwarfrom BritainandAustria. Itwasanearly gamecalamity. ” 26 SMOKE & MIRRORS

THE BEST SELLER FROM LEGENDARY AUTHOR HUGH HOWEY “Howey’s Wool is an epic feat of imagination. You will live in this world. ” - Justin Cronin, bestselling author of The Passage

IT’S ONE OFTHE GREATESTMOVIES OF ALL TIME. A CULT CLASSICTHATWILL BE TALKED ABOUT, AND ADMIRED, AS LONG AS WE’REWATCHING FILMS. BLADE RUNNER IS AN UNFORGETABLE FILM AND HERE JOHN PAUL FITCHTALKS ABOUTWHY “Early in the 21st Century, THE TYRELL CORPORATION advanced Robot evolution into the NEXUS phase - a being virtually identical to a human - known as a Replicant. . . The NEXUS 6 Replicants were superior in strength and agility, and at least equal in intelligence, to the genetic engineers who created them. Replicants were used Off-world as slave labour, in the hazardous exploration and colonization of other planets. After a bloody mutiny by a NEXUS 6 combat team in an Off-world colony, Replicants were declared illegal on earth - under penalty of death. Special police squads - BLADE RUNNER UNITS - had orders to shoot to kill, upon detection, any trespassing Replicant. 28 SMOKE & MIRRORS : All images copyright Warner Bros, 1982

hollywood jesus This was not called execution. It was called retirement. ” Blade Runner screenplay, 1982. Written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. Mushroom clouds of flame above a cityscape. We slowly move over a smog-ridden Megatropolis. Cut to: Extreme Close Up on an all seeing eye. The flame-jet is reflected in it. We are being watched. A flying car – a Spinner – zooms past us as a building sized video advertising board advises us on contraception. This is Los Angeles, 2019. This is dystopia. This is the future that Philip Kindred Dick and Ridley Scott visualised for us. It may be one of the most beautiful and visually stunning pieces of cinema ever committed to celluloid, but Blade Runner was a total and utter flop on release in 1982. It’s clear now, 31 years later, that there has never been a more misunderstood classic in all of cinema history. Blade Runner was a grand philosophical treatise on some of the greatest existential questions we face as human beings, dressed up in the ill-fitting costume of a big budget Hollywood action movie. The Backstory Written by Philip K Dick in 1968,“Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” had a long and hard road Jesus MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 29

to the silver screen. It took 14 long years for it to make its journey from the page to the projector and it was another decade before it was recognized as a classic of the genre. By all accounts Blade Runner was a difficult shoot. The American crew hated British director Ridley Scott, seeing him as cold and distant. Harrison Ford reputedly had a hard time connecting with his director who was (and arguably still is) a purely visual auteur, seeing Scott’s preoccupation with set design coming at the expense of the actors comfort. Ford, a consummate and well prepared professional, also disliked his co-star and movie love interest SeanYoung, seeing the first timer as an inexperienced amateur. Harrison Ford reportedly had such a hard time that he very rarely talks about the film, only going so far as to exclaim Blade Runner was the“…hardest shoot (he’d) ever worked on. ” Hollywood is a small, tight community and news travels fast ergo trouble on set almost always makes it into the gossip columns and the ears and mouths of Hollywood babblers. The word on the street wasn’t good; the producers, BudYorkin and Michael Deeley, despised the film. Recently surfaced screening notes from the producers were testament to how much they misunderstood what Ridley Scott was trying to achieve. They removed Scott from the final edit, added a hackneyed Raymond Chandler-esque voice-over (reputedly directed by the producers themselves) and removed the films ambiguous denouement, replacing it with a syrupy“happy” ending using leftover aerial shots from Stanley Kubrick’s“The Shining”. When the film premiered, the critics hated it and the audiences stayed away in droves. The film was seemingly retired… 30 SMOKE & MIRRORS

In 1992 the discovery of a working print in a dusty cinema led to late-night audiences being given an unexpected viewing of the film as it was meant to be seen, ambiguous and voice-over free. The screening was such a resounding success that the audiences returned, hungry for more. The sudden popularity of these unofficial screenings reached the ears of the studio and led to a hastily thrown together“Directors Cut”, which was released to great critical acclaim. The rerelease, with Ridley Scott’s supervision, led to the film finally being seen as the classic it always was. The Movie Ridley Scott’s vision of 2019 Los Angeles is a bleak and smog-filled, neon lit city of overcrowded streets and permanent acid rain. The film was originally set in“San Angeles” after Ridley Scott theorised that the growing urban sprawl on the west coast of America would see the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco merge but this prophetic idea was rescinded when the producers didn’t“get it. ” Blade Runner sets the template for dystopic future-scapes. The architecture of the world was designed by Scott and futurist/industrial designer Syd Mead and as such we’re given a lived in city that feels real. We can smell the food stalls, we can taste the smog, and we can hear the hustle-bustle of busy future life. We experience this world through the eyes and ears of retired Detective Rick Deckard (a never better Harrison Ford), a specialist in hunting rogue Replicants, known as a Blade Runner. Deckard is drawn back into the world he’s tried to escape to bring down a mutinous band of next generation “Nexus 6” Replicants -“Skin-jobs” so advanced that they are practically indistinguishable from human beings. Replicants are forbidden from living on Earth and are used for slave labour in off-world colonies. “The conflict between Deckard and the off world Replicants is the central force of Blade Runner. This conflict not only provides the narrative thrust but the philosophical and symbolical depth that elevates Blade Runner above all other Sci-fi films. ” Jesus MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 31

Over the course of the film Deckard falls for Rachael (SeanYoung), a Nexus 6 Replicant who has no idea that she isn’t human. “More Human than Human” - the Tyrell Corporation Motto. The Nexus 6 Replicants; Priss (Daryl Hannah), Leon (Brion James), Zora (Joanna Cassidy) and their leader Roy Batty (a towering Rutger Hauer), have come to Earth to face their creator Tyrell (Joe Turkell), in search of an extension of their limited four year life-span which is a fail-safe programmed into their DNA. Replicants can only be detected by the film’s iconicVoight-Kampff machine which can indicate whether a subject is a Replicant by the subject’s inappropriate emotional response to hypothetical questions. The idea is that the Replicants, only being 4 years old mentally, cannot develop the emotional maturity to properly answer the questions. However, with Rachael, there’s proof that the Replicants can almost pass the test providing they don’t know that they are Replicants. Tyrell: [Off-screen] Is this to be an empathy test? [Tyrell appears at the other end of the room, walks towards the two] Tyrell: Capillary dilation of the so-called blush response. . . fluctuation of the pupil. . . involuntary dilation of the iris. Deckard:We call itVoight-Kampff for short. The conflict between Deckard and the rogue Replicants is the narrative catalyst in Blade Runner. It not only provides the dramatic thrust but also the philosophical and symbolical depth that elevates Blade Runner above the flotsam and jetsam of the Sci-Fi genre. 32 SMOKE & MIRRORS

The argument that makes the above conflict even more interesting is the possibility that Deckard is not what he seems. Deckard –The Replicant. It’s the single most compelling mystery of the entire film – Is Deckard also a Replicant? It’s an explicit possibility. Rachael (a Replicant whom Deckard is sent to test) asks Deckard if he has ever taken theVoight-Kampff test himself. Deckard doesn’t answer. While this alone is not proof that Deckard is a Replicant, there are further hints throughout the film that support the idea that Deckard is not human. Deckard is brought into police chief Bryant’s office and told that“Four Replicants” have landed in the city. Bryant goes on to describe how six Replicants -“three male, three female” - hi-jacked a space shuttle back to Earth. One of these was killed during an attempted break-in at Tyrell Corporation headquarters…leaving five Replicants, yet this is never questioned by Deckard or raised again by Bryant, who appears shifty throughout the entire scene. Replicants are universally attached to photographs that help sustain their unstable emotions and reinforce their memories. After Deckard explains to Rachael that her photos and memories are merely copies of those that belong to Tyrell’s niece, he describes one of Rachael’s implanted dreams to her – a dream of a spider – after which we see Deckard daydream amidst his own childhood photographs. This is perhaps the single most overt indication that Deckard is a Replicant. We see his daydream of a Unicorn galloping through a forest. Jesus MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 33

This is later referenced when Gaff, Deckard’s mysterious supervisor, leaves an origami unicorn lying on Deckard’s doorstep as Deckard and Rachael try to leave at the end of the film. If Deckard is a Replicant, then Gaff has known this fact all along and this origami figure is an indication that Gaff is allowing him to escape. As Deckard picks up the unicorn we hear the last thing Gaff said to Deckard, in reference to Rachael -“It’s too bad she won’t live. But then again, who does?” This follows Gaff’s only compliment to Deckard in the whole movie coming after Roy Batty’s death –“You’ve done a man’s job, sir. I guess you’re through, huh?” - An odd turn of phrase but a very important one considering the context that Deckard may not be human. With the rare exception, humans tend to display either fear or hatred towards Replicants in Blade Runner. Chew is fearful of Batty; Gaff displays nothing but contempt for Deckard, at one point even striking him with a cane. Since Replicants are seen as sub-human and used as slave labour, it could be argued that Gaff’s mistreatment of Deckard points to Deckard being a Replicant. It also mirrors Deckard’s initial resentment of Rachael after he learns of her artificiality. It’s also worth considering that Deckard is brought back to“retire” skin-jobs after he himself is brought back from“retirement. ” The Nemesis. “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. . . Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. . . I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time. . . like tears in rain. ” - Roy Batty. Roy Batty, the Son of Man. An Ubermensch with 34 SMOKE & MIRRORS

the IQ of the genetic engineers who created him can be interpreted as both a nemesis and a saviour figure in the film. Initially he is the epitome of the villain; cold, calculating and murderous. Everyone who comes into contact with Roy (Deckard excepted) meets their death. However Roy has the most compelling arc of any character in the film – one of total and utter redemption. Roy plunges from the heavens, sinks to the deepest depths of depravity, committing Patricide along the way, yet finds true redemption by the conclusion of the movie, like a fallen angel reclaiming his halo from the gutter. Roy, the Devil, becomes a Hollywood Jesus. Roy’s motivation for his visit to Earth is immortality. In his quest he visits his“Father” Tyrell atop Mt. Olympus to confess to his creator to ask for more life. When he can’t have it, like an angry child, he kills his creator. “The American crew hated British director Ridley Scott, seeing him as cold and distant. Harrison Ford reputedly had a hard time connecting with his director who was (and arguably still is) a purely visual auteur, seeing Scott’s preoccupation with set design coming at the expense of the actors comfort. ” Jesus MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 35

Tyrell: The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long, and you have burned so very, very brightly, Roy. Look at you. You’re the prodigal son. You’re quite a prize! Roy: I’ve done questionable things. Tyrell: Also extraordinary things. Revel in your time! Later when pursuing Deckard to avenge the death of his lover, Priss, Roy drives a nail through his own hand in order to feel pain in a futile attempt to stave off death, and later when he dies he releases a white dove from his grasp, which ascends from his body into the morning sky. At this point he has accepted his fate and in the films most unexpected moment, he makes a total U-turn as a character and plucks the desperate Deckard from the jaws of death. The Angel of Death becomes the saviour. Understanding that he’s about to die, Roy saves the man who tried so hard to kill him, turning his last fleeting seconds of life into a lasting moment of redemption. In this moment Roy Batty, the nemesis, becomes the Christ in the truest sense of the word. The word“Christ” means saviour. Batty saves Deckard (and humanity) before dying. With his poignant monologue ringing in our ears, Batty releases his grip on the dove he holds in his hands, symbol of peace, and the symbol of his redeemed soul. We, as an audience now understand that Deckard was as much an Angel of Death to the Replicants as Batty was to humans. They were two sides of the same coin. This realisation shatters Deckard. He knows is finished as a Blade Runner. He takes Rachael and leaves, perhaps finally understanding that he himself is a Replicant, and that they can try to be happy together despite their uncertain future. Symbolism Religious symbolism dogs the Replicants appearances in the movie. In Roy’s quest to“meet his maker” he seeks out Chew, a designer of 36 SMOKE & MIRRORS

“Understanding that he’s about to die, the act of saving Deckard, the man who tried to kill him, turns his last fleeting seconds of life into a lasting moment of redemption. In doing so Roy becomes the hero, saving“humanity” despite Deckard’s sins, and then dying. ” artificial eyes, who created the eyes of the Nexus-6 line of Replicants. Roy tells Chew,“If only you could see what I’ve seen with your eyes”, ironic considering that Roy’s eyes are the eyes designed by Chew. Roy and Leon then intimidate a terrified Chew by throwing around some freshly created eyes, who then gives them the information they need to find their way to Tyrell. It is quite poetic that the man who designed Replicant eyes shows them the way. The sheen the audience sees in the Replicants (and Deckard’s) eyes throughout the film is a dead giveaway of their artificiality. According to Ridley Scott,“I was (also) trying to say that the eye is really the most important organ in the human body. It’s like a two-way mirror; the eye doesn’t only see a lot, the eye gives away a lot. ” The eye is most definitely the window of the soul in Blade Runner. The character of Zora reinforces the religious symbolism further. Zora is hiding out as a dancer, and cavorts with a serpent as part of her act, recalling the serpent featured in the Old Testament. Zora’s death underpins the angelic side of the Replicants. She is shot in the back by Deckard as she flees, the bullets wounds placed where wings would protrude from an angel’s back. Her lifeless body looks like an angel with its wings violently removed. “Fiery the angels fell; deep thunder rolled around their shores; burning with the fires of Orc. “ – Roy Batty. This is a misquote ofWilliam Blake (proving that Blade Runner is one of the most literate of all sci-fi films) which refers to Batty and the other Replicants coming back to Earth. In many ways, Blade Runner can be considered a modern day Frankenstein, a cautionary tale of science run amok, but it’s so much more than that. It poses deeply moral and philosophical questions. It forces us to ask questions on the value of human life which is made even more poignant and powerful when one considers that the Replicants are essentially children who don’t want to die. “It’s too bad she won’t live. But then again, who does?” – Gaff. Jesus MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 37

WITH THE TELEVISION ONSLEEPING DEFIANCEISTHELATESTINALONGLINEOF SCI-FISHOWSTOHITOURSMALLSCREENS INTHELASTFEWYEARS…ANDTHAT’STHE PROBLEM. IAINBOYCETAKESALOOKATTHE PILOT,TOSEEIFIT’STAKESUSTOAWHOLE OTHERPLAIN…ORIFWE’REGOINGOVEROLD GROUND OccasionallyyouwatchanewSciFi/Fantasyshow andyouaregenuinelyimpressedbyitsvisionand originality. Aboutfiveminutesintothisnew offeringfromSyFyIrealisedthatthiswasnotgoing tobeoneofthesetimes. Instead,Ifoundmyself tickingoffboxesonanimaginarysci-fi-seriesby-the-numberscheck-listandIbeganplaying “SpottheInfluence. ” Spoilersaboundhere. Soifyou’vestilltowatch Defiancethenreadnofurther. Weopenwithavisual. Afleetofalienspaceships descendingontheearthinasteepdive. Happy earthlingsplayinginaparkandwatchingthebig spaceshipsarriveandhavingshadowscastover them(V–Check!IndependenceDay–Check!The DayTheEarthStoodStill–Check) 30oddyears,andsomeamountofwarlater,we joinanomadicitinerantprotagonistandhisMoody AlienDaughter(Eureka?–Check!)whowasinvolvedinaniconicbattlethatchangedrecent history(Firefly?–Check!). Theygointoavast crashedalienship(Alien–Check!)andsalvage astrangealienartefactthatwillletthempayoff alltheirdebtsandmakethemrich(StarWars?– INDEFIANCE OFCONVENTION? Check!)Theythencomeintocontactwithagroup ofbadalienbikertypeswhorobthem(MadMax –Check!)andinjurethegirl. Astheyfleethrough aforesttheystoptoburythestrangealienartefact underalogbutaresetuponbysomenastylooking mutantwolf/spiderythings. Theyarerescuedbyabunchofpeoplewhotake themtoatownthatsitsbehindaprotectivewall. (Troy?–Check!)Thetowninquestionturnsoutto bewhatusedtobeStLouis,completewithmostof itslandmarkarch. (McDonalds?–Nota,I’veeaten) ThetownisnowcalledDefiance(apparentlyafter theaforementionediconiclastbattleinthe aforementionedwar)andresembleswhat happenswhenyoutakethesetofBlazingSaddles andletaherdoftoddlersloosewithfingerpaints 38 SMOKE & MIRRORS : Images copyright Five & Dime Productions, 2013

andahugesplurgegun. We’requicklyintroducedtoaclutchofcharacters, Thenewmayor,theoldmayor,thelocalmine owner,hissemi-criminalmoneylenderrivaland hisschemingpatricianwife(Spartacus?Check!), theproprietorofthelocalcathouse,thetowndoctorwithagrumpymatteroffactdemeanour(Star Trek?Check!)andabunchofhornyteenagesons anddaughtersofthevariousracesandfamilies whoareeitherfightingwitheachotheror vigorouslytryingtodotheirbitforinter-species integration,(TheO. C?OneTreeHill?Check!)and someotheraliensthatI’msurethey’llexplain aboutatsomepointoverfutureepisodes. Yesfolks,we’reinanisolatedFrontierTown (Deadwood?Jericho?Check!). Ourherois“justpassingthrough”butthenthe locallaw-keepergetsshotsohehastohelpout. (Guesswherethisisgoing. ) Heinstantlysolvesamurdermystery,helps uncoversomeskulduggeryinvolvingsabotageand discoversthatalotofverybadthings-inthiscase anarmyofrobotwarriorsthatresemblethelove childrenofTerminatorsandOrcs-areontheway todestroytheplace. Ourhero’scrazyplanistousetheartefacthe foundatthestartoftheepisodeandthetalents ofoneofthealienracestocreateaone-offsuper weaponwhichoughttowipeouttheentireband ofbadrobotsinonefellswoop. Tenminutesof shootingandfightingensueandthemoodyalien daughtersavesthedaybybringingtheMadMax bikeraliens. Thesuperweapongetsdeployedand thebadrobotarmyisnomore. Theepilogueseesthetownsfolkgettingthings backtonormalandalsowonderingwhocould havesentthebadrobotarmyafterthem. The mayorasksourherotostayonandhandshimthe law-keeper’sbadge. Yep(Eureka. Again). Andthenaflashbacktorevealthatoneofthe happyearthlingswesawintheparkatthe beginningwashimandthathewas,infact,standinginfrontoftheveryarchthatstandsabovethe town. Yep,hewasbackhomeafterall. (Everybody?–Awwwwww!) There’sevenapostscript wheretheoldmayorturnsouttobeinvolvedinthe skulduggerythatbroughtdowntheforcefield. Now,youmaythinkthatIdidn’tthinkmuchofall thisbutitwasactuallyokay. Notbad,notbadat all. Itlooksgood,mostly. Thecast,includingJulie Benz(Angel,Dexter),TonyCurran(TheLeague ofExtraordinaryGentlemen,DrWho)andJaime Murray(Hustle,Dexter,Spartacus)doadecent enoughjob. Theactiondidzipalongatapace withoutdragging. Someofthealienmake-up choicesdidleaveabittobedesired. Isuppose “Now,youmaythinkthatI didn’tthinkmuchofallthis butitwasactuallyokay. Notbad,notbadatall. It looksgood,mostly. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 39

WITH THE TELEVISION ONSLEEPING thereareonlysomanywaysyoucandepictvarious alienlifeformsbutIkeptthinkingthatTony Curran’scharacterlookedlikeanalbinoversion oftheHarryPottersaga’sLuciusMalfoy,andthe doctorwasanalbinoversionofFarscape’sZahn. I guessthetoddlersusedupallthebrightcolours onthetownset. Ihadalookatthewebsitefortheseriesand apparentlythere’saPC/Xbox360/PS3gamethat tiesinwiththeserieswheretheeventsinthe serieswillaffecttheonlineplayingandviceversa. It’sonethatcouldgoeitherway. Thispilotepisode usedupsomanysci-fistaplesthatmaybenow they’llstarttomoveontosomethingmoreoriginal. There’scopiousinformationonWikipediaabout themajoreventsthatoccurredinthe30years betweenthearrivalofthealiensandtheeventsof thepilotepisode. Ican’thelpthinkingthatthere wasamoreinterestingstorythere. Idaresayalot ofthatmaycomeoutinfutureepisodes. Icanonlyhopeso. Idon’twanttofindmyself playingSciFiBingoagain. “Weopenwithavisual. Afleetof alienspaceshipsdescendingonthe earthinasteepdive. Happy earthlingsplayinginaparkand watchingthebigspaceshipsarrive andhavingshadowscastoverthem (V–Check!Independence Day–Check!TheDayTheEarth StoodStill–Check). ” 40 SMOKE & MIRRORS

COMING SOON

IT’S A THEME TUNE BUT NOTAS WE KNOW IT WE ALL REMEMBER GROWING UP WITH GREAT TV … BUT A LOT OF OUR BEST MEMORIES REVOLVE AROUND THOSE WONDERFUL THEME TUNES. IAIN BOYCE LOOKS AT HIS FAVOURITES AND MOURNS THE DEARTH OF MODERN ONES TO FILL THE MINDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION Okay, let me put this out to begin with. I was born in 1966. Three years after the start of Doctor Who and the same year that the USS Enterprise began its five year mission. I grew up with mostly second runs of all the classic TV sci-fi shows, cop shows and adventure series from the 1960’s. I know I saw them but, in the main, I heard them, or more specifically, I heard the theme tunes. Our TV wasn’t in colour and was quite small so it didn’t have the visual allure that today’s toddlers get from the brightly coloured targeted TV channels on screens bigger than their parents. No, what drew us in was the clarion call of the music. These shows demanded our attention. “Stand by for action! We are about to launch Stingray!” “FIVE! (Daahh!), FOUR! (Daaahhh!), THREE! (Daaahhhh!), TWO! (Daaaaahhhhh!), ONE! (BBBOOOOOMMMMMMM!!! ) THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!” “This is the voice of the Mysterons…” Anything really could happen in the next half hour. (Yes, okay I know Thunderbirds was an hour but WITH THE TELEVISION ONSLEEPING 42 SMOKE & MIRRORS

stay with me. ) They set you up for what was coming and if I’m honest about it, I barely remembered most of the storylines until I saw them when they were all repeated on BBC2 in the 90’s (ad-nauseum), but I remembered the tunes. It probably helped that my Dad was really into sound recording and would collect all sorts of weird and wonderful collections, mostly from “Music for Pleasure”, so maybe I was exposed to them more than most. Whatever the reason, I can instantly identify with my inner 10 year-old the second I hear the opening bars of any of them. The 1960’s had loads of memorable ones, The Avengers, The Prisoner, Doctor Who, The Saint, Star Trek, The Twilight Zone, Mission Impossible, Irwin Allen’s productions: Lost in Space, The Time Tunnel and Land of the Giants. Barry Gray’s themes for Gerry Anderson’s Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, and Joe 90. As we travelled through the 70’s we got stuff like The Tomorrow People, The Sweeney, Van Der Valk, The Six million Dollar Man, Starsky and Hutch, Blake’s 7, Survivors, The New Avengers, Tales of the Unexpected, Sapphire and Steel, Doctor Who (again) Battlestar Galactica, and of course, Barry Gray was back with themes for U. F. O and Space:1999 - Season 1, the second season wasn’t done by Gray and it was DIRE! The 80’s kept things going with stuff like Knight Rider, Airwolf, Red Dwarf, Doctor Who (yet again), The A-Team, Buck Rogers, V (mini series), Star Trek The Next Generation, even though it was actually regurgitated from the movie theme. The 1990’s held its own with some decent stuff, Quantum Leap, Deep Space Nine, Seaquest DSV, Babylon 5 (with a different variation each season), Voyager, The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Space: Above and Beyond. Even coming into Century 21(sic) it was still humming along with stuff like MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 43

Angel, Charmed, and Alias. Now I have to admit that this list is in no way exhaustive. I may have missed out someone’s particular favourite. There’s are loads of TV shows out there that warranted attention. Some of these shows were good, some were bad and some were heinous acts of cruel and unusual punishment, but even those occasionally chucked out a decent theme tune … but then, somewhere around the turn of the millennium, things began to change. I think the first time I noticed the rot was the first series of Lost with it’s atonal synth pad sound whining as the title flew over our heads, which proved to be prophetic when it came to their plot lines. I thought that was fair enough at the time as it was a bit different but as the years have passed it seems to have become the norm. The majority of shows running now only do a 10 second “sting” for their titles. It has to be said, in fairness that the closing titles “Some of these shows were good, some were bad and some were heinous acts of cruel and unusual punishment, but even those occasionally chucked out a decent theme tune … but then, somewhere around the turn of the millennium, things began to change. ” usually have something interesting, but since they are either cut short or have some numpty of a continuity announcer wittering over them it’s hard to get into the groove. I daresay it’s a money thing about packing more advertising into their hour, except I thought there were limits about that. Are they using the extra time for more storytelling? I’m not sure they are. Not all is lost however some shows like Dexter, Alphas, Lie to Me, True Blood, Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire, my current favourite, still managed to produce decent themes but to my mind it’s not enough. How are the middle aged TV geeks of the future supposed to hark back to their childhoods with 10 seconds of non-descript ambient synth music in the same way that Barry Gray’s various themes for the Gerry Anderson productions take me back to being 8 years old playing with my Space 1999 Eagle? Strictly speaking, they are theme tunes … but not as we know it. WITH THE TELEVISION ONSLEEPING 44 SMOKE & MIRRORS

MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 43

ORGANIC THINKING Youknowthe. . . fuckingscore,rightmate?Look atme. YouknowwhatI’mherefor,don’tyou? Whatwe’reherefor. Imeanyouknow. . . ?That’s whyyoucalledme,eh? Wellthen. ButI’mheretotalktoyouaboutitanyway y’know,because. . . maate. . . Whatthefuckisupwithyou? Youarenotgoingtogetpastthis. Youdon’t knowawaythroughthosedoublesaws. You justdon’t. You’vebeentrying. Godknowsyou’ve beentrying. Imean,lookatyou. Haveyouseenthestateof you?Lookatyourself. You’relikeajunky needingafix. Justonemorego. Justonemore go. Youaresweating. Yourpalmsaresweaty. Youreyesareactingallfunny,allbloodshot. Peoplewillthinkyou’vebeenonclassA’sthe wholeweekendman! Putitdown. Lookatyou. Yourthumbsache. You’vegotthat nastytwitchunderyourrightshoulderagain, haven’tyou?Yourkneesachetotheboneman. Whyareyousittinglikethat?Whenwasthe lasttimeyouhadanicotinehit?Whyareyou evenputtingyourselfthroughthis?Putitdown. With Johnny Organ EMERGENCY PROCEDURES INITIATED. . . . . . STAND BY. 46 SMOKE & MIRRORS

Whydidyouevenbringmehereifyouaren’tgoingtolisten? HELLO?! Hello. Whenwasthelasttimeyouate?When wasthelasttimeyoucared?Whenwasthelast. . . . fuckingtimeyouevenlookedatanythingelse inthisroom?ApartfromtheTVoryourhands? Whenwasthelasttimeyoudidanythingelse withyourhands?Areyoupayingattention?You askedforthis. . . Jesus. . . Look,justdoonethingforme,huh?Canyoudo that?Forme?Oldfriend?Compadre?Amigo? Hello?Justdothisonelittlem-i-n-u-t-ething. Huh?Huhpal?Huhbuddy?Justthisonelittle God-damnthing. Huh?Good. Goodlad. Just. . . lookattheclock. Theclock. Y’know. . . the clock. Justlookatit. Onceforme,huh?Justone littleglance. That’sallIaskJohnny. Jooohnny. JoooooooooooooohnnNNYY!!Hello?That’sallI ask. Lookatit. Look. . . look. . . yes. . . look. . . Yes. Youseenow. Thankyou. ThanktheLord. Yesthat’sright,imbecile. ThereisnoBandageGirl torescueI’mafraid. . . yep,yep,lookatthedaylight. It’shappeningoutside. Yourememberoutside, yeah?Yeah,ofcourseyoudo. WhatamIthinking?Idon’thavedumbfriends. WhydidIthinkyou weredumb? Nowtakeitin. ThereISNOSuperMeatboy. It’san excellentvaluegame. OnXboxLive. But. . . andyou arenothim. Ohjeez. I’msogladyouremember. Wethought we’dlostyouforawhile. Howlonghasbeensince welostregularcontact,fellas?Six,sevenhours? Jeeez,wethoughtwe’dlostyou. Thatlevelreally gottoyou,huh?Tryingtocapturethatbandage andlive?Haha. Jeez,wethoughtwe’dlostyou. That’srightfella. Itsixfortyfiveamandyouforgot towakeyourgirlfriendforwork. That’sright. You bettergetonit. Nowdon’tyouworryaboutathing,she’sjusta littlegrumpybecauseshejustwokeupandcan’t appreciateyourcircumstance. Lookatitthisway -girlswantguystohaveanalmosttelepathic understandingofthem,butatthispointintime shesimplycannotcomprehendhowimportant grabbingthatbandagewasforyou,tocollect atthattime. Ifthiswastheotherwayaround, you’dbegettingtoldthatyouwereuncaring,lack understanding,thatyoulackempathy. Woman. Pfff. Shedoesn’tevenunderstandTHIS. Itfeltlike amilitarymission. Itfeltlikeanorder. Itfeltlikea divinecommandment. Weunderstand,don’twe boys?Thisisnobluehedgehog,fellas. Itmesses withyourmind. Youloveher. Butjeeeez. . . thiswas MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 47

ORGANIC THINKING important. She’llbefine. Herwomanbrainwillworkitout whenyoushowherthelevelwhichdefeated you. Whenshegetshomefromwork. Shewill appreciatethat. Shewillunderstand. Yes. She willwitnessyoudying. Shewillwitnessyou failing. . . Look,youareaman. Iknowyoudon’t wanttoshowtheloveofyourlifeanyofyour failuresbutyouwillnotsucceedatthistime. You willfail. Forsevenhoursthisgamehassimply consumedyou. Youareworkingtomorrow,yes. Youcan maybenabaquickgameortwobeforethen andbeatthosesaws,yes. Somaybefailureisn’t anoption. Youstillhavetimetochampionthat level. Thenyoucanshowherhowgloriousyou are. Howvictoriousyouarenaturally. Tryagain beforework. That’sagreatidea!Afterrest. Whenyouare100%again. YouWILLtriumph. Despitethesheerperfectionofitscontrols,your thumbsareweaknow. Yourreactionsareslow, yourbrainismushandtheybothhavetobe sharpasatack,soldier. Ithasdrainedyou. You mustrestnow. That’sanordersoldier! Operation26isgreentomorrow. Operation shuteyestartsnow. Rest. Rest. Rest. Youlovethisgame. Shelovesyou. She’ll understandyoulovethisgame. Justnotnow. She’s angrybecauseyouforgottowakeherandnowshe can’twashherhairbeforework. Showherlater. She’llappreciateitmoreandyoucanstillbeawinnerinhereyes. It’sforthebest. Don’tthinkaboutthatnowthough. It’sfutile. It’slate. Stopthinking. Justrestyourheadonthatthere pillowandthinkaboutsleeping. That’sright. Getthe impressionyouaretired. Youarefeelingsleepy. Youreyesareheavy. Listentoyourbreathing. Relax. I’llbeheadingoffnowbutI’mgoingtopassyoutoa friendofoursyouarequitewellacquaintedwith. HiJohnny. Rememberme? Heyhey. . . sshhsshhssshhhh!Don’tworry. Iwasjustwantingtodiscusswithyouallyour remainingfriends. Wherearethey?Whendidyou startfeelingsolonely. . . ? 48 SMOKE & MIRRORS

ORGANIC THINKING AndyStewartisrapidlymakinganameforhimself asahorroricon. Hisselffundedfirstbodyhorror shortDysmorphiahasbeencausingfawning criticsandfaintingviewersgloballyoverthepast year. Setinoneroomwithonecharacter,witha meagerbudgetof£160,it’sturnedheadsand stomachs,gainedcelebrityendorsementsand grabbedtheattentionandadmirationofhispeers. “Quitepossiblythegreatestshortfilmwehaveever seen. ”-Jen&SylviaSoska(theAmericanMary directorduo)tweetedinit’spraise. “AndyStewart’s shortfilmDysmorphiaisoneofthoseshortsyou remember. Itwasarevolting,visceralrapeofeven MYpsyche” -MattFarnsworth,directorofTheOrphanKillerwasquotedassaying. Hispartiallycrowd-fundedsecondshortfilm Banquetiscurrentlyinpost-productionbutthe terrordoesn’tendthere. Pre-productionofhisthird shortSplit,a“meltmovie”whichSmokeandMirrors canexclusivelyrevealwillfeaturethetalentsof HollywoodspecialeffectsguruGrantMason(Bride OfChucky,TheWolfman)iswellunderwayalready. Hekindlyinvitedmetohisflattodiscussthese projectsandallowmetodelvealittleintohispast overahomemadechickenandricedish. I’veknownAndyforaround15years. Weboth attendedToonspeakYoungPeople’sTheatre CompanyinGlasgow,aprojectwhichhashelp nurturethe talentsofBAFTAawardwinningactorIain Robertson,BurnistounduoIainConnellandRobert FlorenceandRiverCity’s“ShellsuitBob”Stephen Purdonamongstothers. ItwasonlyalittleoverayearagoAndyapproached metodiscussthepossibilityofmakinghorrorfilms himself. Hisloveofthegenrepersuadedhimto revamphisAndyErupts. comsiteandmakeita horrornewsandreviewssite. “I’vealwayslikedwriting”Andytellsme. Infact,he BY HORROR HAUNTED With Johnny Organ 50 SMOKE & MIRRORS ANDYSTEWARTISANAMEYOU’RE GOINGTOBEHEARINGALOTINTHE NEXTCOUPLEOFYEARS. HERUNSA CRITICALLYACCLAIMEDWEBSITE ANDYERUPTS,WHICHEXTENSIVELY COVERSTHEHORRORGENREANDHE’S RECENTLYBRANCHEDOUTINTOFILM. HERE,JOHNNYORGANTALKSTOTHE MANHIMSELFABOUTHISLIFE,HIS WORK…ANDWHATMAKESHIMTICK. BRACEYOURSELF…

testedthewaterwithsportsjournalismfirst. “In 2007IstartedfreelancingformostlyScottish tabloidsthroughanagency. Theywouldsendmeto the(football)games. Iwouldwritethereportsbut mostlymynamewouldneverappearintheby-line. Thatdidn’treallybothermetobehonest. Iwasstill gettingpaid. ButthenIgotsickofsittinginthecold. ” SowouldhehavemaybestuckatitifScotland’s climatewaswarmer? “Idon’tknow. . . It’sverysameyandtome. . . (laughs) It’smaybeabittoopreciseforme. . ?Theslightest mistakewithregardstowhogetssentoffwhenor whoscoredagoalcantotallyfuckupanentirearticle andmakeyoulooklikeatotalnob. ButI’vealways likedwriting. I’vealwayswrittenpoetryandstuff. As Iwasdoingthesportsjournalismstuff,Ihadbeen writingpoetryandIhadstartedablogthathadlittle comedypoemsandstuff. Iwaswritingpoemsabout thingsIwasseeingaroundthetown. Thekindoflife thatlurksaroundGeorgeSquare. . . aslugclimbing upthesideofabin. Irememberseeingthisslugand justfeelingsoempty!Iwasjustlookingatitgoing ‘youpoorbastard. Whatalifeyou’vegot’. And,like, Isawabikethatwaschainedtoafencewhichhad obviouslybeenstompedtobitsbysomemaddrunk guy. Itwasjustleft. Abandoned. AndIwaslike‘that poorbike’. (laughs)Itwasjustdaftpoemsaboutstuff leftinthestreet. ” Theblogalsofeaturedhorrorreviewsandin2011 hedecidedtofocusonhisloveofhorror,ditchthe comedypoetryandinvitecollaboratorsand reviewerstohelphimout. IneightshortmonthsAndyErupts. combecame theU. K’spremierhorrorfilmwebsiteatrracting thousandsuponthousandsofdailyreaders. Shortly after,Andywasinvitedtoguestjudgeatfilm festivals,ultimatelydecidingwhoearnedtheprizes forbestfilm,bestdirectoretc. Sowhatmakesa goodhorrorfilm? “That’saninterestingquestion. Onapersonallevel, orrather,onagenerallevel,itreallydoescome downtothequalityofthestory. Imeanitcouldbethe cheapestfilmeverproducedbutifthestoryissound andifit’ssupposedtobeunsettling. Anunsettling subjectmatteranditunsettlesyou. . . Evenifyoudon’t seeasingledropofblood,ifit’snotaboutthat,ifit’s aboutdeeper,darkerthings. Ithinkifthescriptis donewelltherestofthethingsareeasytodropin. Ifyoureadthescriptandyoufeelsomethingfrom that. . . Butmaybethat’sjustmebeingawriteras opposedtobeingadirector. IwatchfilmsnowandI watchthemforthemostpartforthewriting. Ifind myselfgoing‘that’sawellwrittenfilm”. Sowhydidhedecidetobecomethefilmmaker ratherthanthefilmcritic? “I’djustseensomanyshitfilms. Inmylife,notjust viastuffIwassentthroughtoreviewforthewebsite but. . . ThiswassomethingIhadentertainedinthe pastbutneverexplored. AndnowI’mseeing,with digitalcomingin,justhoweasyandcheaplyafilm canbemadeondigital. There’snothingreallystoppingmeputtingsomethingtogether. Soitjustcame from,Idon’tknow,maybealittlearrogancefrommy part. I’veseensomeshite,I’mgoingtotryandmake MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 51 “Irememberseeingthisslugand justfeelingsoempty!Iwasjust lookingatitgoing‘youpoor bastard. Whatalifeyou’vegot’. ” BRACEYOURSELF…

ORGANIC THINKING somethingalittlebetter. Iwasalwaysintothisbut justneverpursuedit. “Aroundabout1999myselfandafriend,Mick,we satdownandstartedwritingacoupleofweedaft scripts. Onewasazombiecomedy,beforepeople weremakingzombiecomedieswewroteascript calledDude,There’saZombie!Youcanprobably guesswherethetitlecamefrom(laughs). Butit obviouslynevergotanywherebeyondaworkingtitle. “Thenwegotpishedonenightandmadethefirst partofthenowinfamousCoffeeKillerwhichwe filmedonahandheld8mmtapecamcorder. We editedincamera(laughs). Thenabout8months laterwefinisheditoffwithacoupleofpeoplefrom thetheatregroup. Andit’sjust. . . themostludicrous pileofshiteyou’lleversee. It’sfortyminuteslong. . . andthat’sthefunniestpart. Itjustgoesonandon. . . . There’smoredialogueinitthanyou’lleverhear! (laughs). It’sjustchock-a-blockfullofdialogueyou wouldneverhear. AtthattimeIthought‘I’dlovetobeadirector’. And thennothing. Iworkedinbanksandranpubs. And didn’tdoanythingaboutit” Sohowdifficultwasittomakehisfirstshort Dysmorphia? “IgotveryluckywithDysmorphia. InsomuchthatI wasintroducedtoAdrianaPolito(producer),through afriendwho’dwenttoschoolwithher. Ithinkwe firstmetviaFacebook!Idon’thaveaparticular organisationalbrain. Icanwriteandvisualisethings, Icanstoryboardthingsandthat’sfine. ButIdon’t havethedisciplinetoputthingsinplace. SoIwas veryluckytohaveAdriana. Shekickedmeupthe arsewhenIneededit. Shewasinstrumentalin bringingonPaul-JohnRoss(directorof photography)andRuthyDevenny(makeupand effectsartist)andeveryoneelse,withtheexception ofafewofmyfriends. Itwouldhavebeenafarmore difficultprocesswithouther. ” ButwithMsPolitonotavailabletoproducehis 52 SMOKE & MIRRORS

secondshortduetocommittingtomakingherown firsthorrorfilmSheWolfOfTheWoods,howdidhe copemakingBanquet? “Banquetwascertainlyalotmoreinvolved. Ihadto becomealotmorehandsonthanIwouldhaveliked. IguesstimewilltellifIwastoohandson. . . (laughs)” Anyadvicetootherupandcomingfilmmakers? “IntheyearsinceDysmorphia,peoplehavesaidto methatit’sreallygreatthatI’mnotjustsittingback andrestingonmylaurels. Iprettymuchrightaway decidedI’mgoingtomakeanotherone. Ihadthe scriptthereandgoneawayandmadethattoo. We shootSplitinAugust. Thenwehaveanothertwoor solinedup. Iguessmyadvicewouldbedon’ttalk aboutmakingstuff. Justgooutandmakeit. Ifyou cangettherightpeopletoworkonit. . . There’sa millionpagesonFacebook. Peoplecongregate,talk andaskaboutprojects. Advertiseabouttheir projects. Therearenetworkingmeetingsthat takeplace. Myadvicewouldbejustfuckingdoit. It doesn’thavetocosttheworld. AlthoughIhaveto say,don’tjustgrabacameraandtryandgomake ityourself. Thereisagreatbenefitoffindingagreat directorofphotography. IhadPaul-JohnRossand MarkBoggis. Bothworkedcompletelydifferentlybut therewerebenefitstothat”. Sowhyhorror?Besidethetablewhereweeatisa largebookshelfoverflowingwithhorrorfilmsfrom everycontinentontheplanet. Hehashisbody tattooedwithhorror’smosticoniccharacters (Pinhead,MichaelMyers,Leatherfacetonamea few). Whatishisearliestmemoryofagenreheloves somuch?Whatscaredhimasachild? “OneofthefirstthingsIrememberseeingwasthe transformationinAmericanWerewolfInLondon. “Notevenbeingscaredbyit,eventhen. Justbeing impressed. ‘Howdidtheydothat??Thatmanturned intoawolf!Isheawolf?Isit?Isheawolf?Isthisa documentary?!’. ButIrememberthefirstthingthat scaredme,anditscaredmeforyears–the hatchingsceneinGremlins. Thosemadnoisesinthe background(doesavocalimpressionofsaidnoises). MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 53

Iwasjustlike‘Awnawman!’. Istilldon’tlikethat scene. That’sstuckwithmeforlife. Iwasabout7 yearsoldatthetime. “Irememberpeekingthroughacrackinadoorand watchingasnippetofReturnOfTheLivingDead. I alwaysremembersomethingabout. . . adeadbodyin awashingmachine. Itwasn’tuntilyearslater IrealiseditwastheTarmaninthebarrel. Andthe glassinthebarrelanditwasn’tawashingmachine. Irememberpeekingthroughandthenrunning away,backtomybed,inmypyjamas. Iwasabout tenatthetime. Runningandhidingundermy blanketsincaseIgotcaught. Thosearemyearliest memoriesofhorror. “Ialsorememberbeingabout10yearsold. Meand afriendwentintohishouseandhisbigbrotherwas havingakindofparty. AndtheyhadTheExorciston. Ongrainyvideotape. Apirate. Irememberjustbeing. . . horrified. Absolutelyhorrified. (pauses). Andit’s stillthebesthorrormovieevermade. “Anditjustspiralledfromthere. V. H. S. Playerinmy room. Iwouldsetituptorecord. . . Notjusthorror. BladeRunner. . . andoccasionallyyou’dgetanice horrorgem. ThingslikeAliens. Iwasstilltooyoung towatchthembutIwaswatchingthem. Andthen whenIwas13,Igotcableinmyroom. Withcable cameTVchannelBravo. Bravokindofexposedme to,Iguess,kindofreallycensoredversionsofthe videonasties. IrememberwatchingDemonsonit. It exposedme,Iguess,toforeignhorroraswell. Bravo wasgreatforthat. ” AsfarasIcanremembernow,horrorhasalways beenpartofmylife. Isupposehavingabirthdayon Halloween. . . (laughs)” Andwiththat,themealisoverandit’stimetoleave. ButAndywillinviteyoualltohisnextmealvery soon. Abanquetnotforthefaintheartedoreasily disturbed. Adinnerpartyunlikeanyother. Willyou havethestomachforit?Findoutlaterintheyear. AndyStewart’sfirstshortfilmDysmorphiaisavailabletowatchviathefreePopcornHorror. comapp availableintheAppleandGooglePlaystoresnow. ORGANIC THINKING 54 SMOKE & MIRRORS “WeshootSplitinAugust. Then wehaveanothertwoorsolined up. Iguessmyadvicewouldbe don’ttalkaboutmakingstuff. Justgooutandmakeit. ”

TheAsphaltgamesareaneasytargetformuchderisionandforverygoodreason. Forastart,theyare developedandpublishedbyGameloft,acompanywho arecurrentlyworthover100millionEuros,who operate28studiosandwhoemployover5000staff producinggamesmostlyforthemobilephonemarket. Gamesthatessentiallyripoffothercompaniesgames. ForeveryCallOfDuty:ModernWarfare3onyourXbox 360,PlayStation3orPC,you’llfindtheymakeModern Combat3:FallenNationforyourmobilephone. For everyGuitarHero,thereisGuitarLegend. Forevery TrueCrime:StreetsOfL. A. ,you’llfindGangster:Crime City. THE ASPHALT RACE GAMES SERIES, BY DEVELOPERS GAMELOFT, IS MUCH DERIBED. HERE, DIGITAL RACE ADDICT JOHNNY ORGAN LOOKS OVERTHESE GAMES AND ASKS IF THE NEGATIVE PRESS IS JUSTIFIED. BURNING THEASPHALT PLAYING THE GAME 56 SMOKE & MIRRORS All images copyright Gamesloft, 2013

Theartworkwilllooksimilar. Thegenrewillbe intact. It’llbeawatereddownversionofa doppelgängerthatsqueezesontoyourhand-held device. Yetthissimplifiesthings,especiallymorerecently. Theydoproducegenuinelicensedgamessuchas TheDarkKnightRises,PrinceOfPersia,Raymanor TomClancy’sRainbowSixVegasgames. Moreoften thannotthough,whentheycan’tgetthoselicences, theyjustripthemoff. AsphaltUrbanGTwasalaunchgameforboththe ill-fatedNokiaN-Gageandthenot-so-ill-fated NintendoDSbackin2004. Itwasn’tagreatgame andyetitwasfarfromterrible. Itjustdidn’tstandout fromthecrowd. Itjustdidn’tdoanythingparticularly special. Yes,ithadsomenicelicensedcars(around30ifI recallcorrectly)includingbigAstonMartinsand Lamborghini’sbutthe9tracksyouracedaround weren’tasdistinctiveorflashy. Neitherwasthe sound. Andthecollisiondetectionwassuspectat times. Theothercarsdidn’talwaysfeel…solid. It’sa seriesofgamesthatcamefromhumblebeginnings andmediocresuccessandyetrefusedtogiveup. Refusedtostoptrying. Refusedtogiveupthechase. Veryfewgamingexperienceshaveexcitedmemore thanmyatmum’shouseasanageingteenager. I hadagloriousgamingsetup. A25inchNicam StereoTVconnectedtoa500WattP. A. system,a PlayStation,anarcadesteeringwheel,bigcomfy swivelchairandacopyofRidgeRacer. Theadrenalineandthrillofbeltingalongwithyour faceatthebumperofthecar,twoinchesfromthe ground,powerslidingatbreakneckspeedasyou slammedyourfootontheacceleratorpedalonthe wayoutofcorners,straighteningupthebackendof yourcar,tryingtoperfectthatracinglinetoshavethe slightestmillisecondoffyourcurrentbesttime,the deepbassofthemusicpoundingoffyourchest,the sweatofyourpalmsonthewheel,theannouncer remindingyouhowgreatyouwere…Ilivedinthat game. Ibreathedtheairofthatgamingworld. Iwas themasterofthatuniverse. Mydinnergotcoldalot. Ihadthegamemostkidswouldpumppoundcoin afterpoundcoininto. Ihaditinthepalmofmy hands. Icouldnotbelievehowgooditlooked. How greatitsounded. Howjoyousitwastoplay. How luckyIwas. Icouldnotfathomhowthatlittlegrey boxunderneathmytelevisioncouldproducesuch wonders. Ihadanarcademachineinmybedroom. Asphalt6:Heatastoundedmeinalltheverysame MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 57

waysasthoseheadydays. Onlythistimeitwas inthepalmofmyhands. Thatsamesensationof bedazzlement. Thatsamerushofexcitement. Itwas anemotionIhadn’tfeltinaverylongtime. AthrillI neverthoughtI’dfeelagain. Itmademelookatthe hardwareinawe. Insteadofaphone,Ihaveacurrent genconsolewithinamysticalboxwrappedarounda 4. 2inchviewingscreen. IhaveanarcademachineI cantakeonthebus. ReleasedonAndroidinJanuary2011(iOSamonth earlier,Blackberryalittlelater)alothaschanged aboutthegamesince2004. It’sbasicallystolenalot ofthegreatideasfromsomeofthebestarcade racersofitshomeconsolecounterparts. Mostly fromCriterion’sbestgames,TheBurnoutsand NeedForSpeeds. It’sGameloftdoingwhattheydo best. Whattheygetstickfor. AndthistimeIcouldn’tgiveafuck. Thereareafewcontrolmethods. Iprefertouching theleftandrightsideofthescreentoturnas opposedtousingthegyroscopeturn-the-screenas-a-steering-wheelmethod. Ifinditeasierto powerslidethatway. Atthebottomofeachsideof thescreenarebrakebuttons. There’salsoaboost (ornitroifyouprefer)button. Customcontrolsmean youcanplacethatanywhereonthescreenyouwant. Ilikeitjustabovethebrakeontherighthandside. Launchinganitroismorelikehittingwarpdrive. Thewholescreenscreamsintoneonblueandyou becomeprettymuchinvincible. Thetrafficandother racersbecometake-downfodder. It’saeuphoric, tinglingexperience,especiallywhenyoumakea jumpandgocareeringthroughthesky. Younormallyraceagainst5opponentsbutthere aredifferentracetypesincludingDuel(onevsone). TheirA. I. israthergood. Notasdim-wittedasRidge Racer‘sbutcertainlynotasaggressiveasNeedFor Speed‘scopcars. Theyseemtododifferentthingsin eachrace. Nopre-determinedroutesandtheiragPLAYING THE GAME 58 SMOKE & MIRRORS

gressionseemstoalsodifferfromracetorace. They seemalmosthumanattimes. Thereare14tracksintotal(there’sexclusivetracks oneachversion,Androidhasthemost)anda selectionof42carstoracewith. Theserangefrom theNissan3702totheBugattiVeyron. Youneedtwo thingstounlockthemoretantalisingcars–cashand stars. Eachracecanwinyouthreestars. Onestaris usuallywonbymeetingtheoriginalcontestofthe race(comingfirstinanormalrace,managingto takeouttherequiredamountofcarsinTakeDown mode). Thesecondandthirdstarsareunlockedby meetingtheextrachallengesofferedineachrace. Thesevaryfromhavingtoperformacertaindistance ofpowersliding,beatingthetrackbyasettime,or simplyrammingmorecarsofftheroad,amongst otherthings. Atfirsttheseextrastarsareeasily conquerable(indeedatfirstthegameseemsalittle easy)butasthegameprogressesthesestarsdo becomemorechallengingandaddsignificantreplay value. Bysimplywinningmatchesyoucanadvance throughthedifferentleagueswitheasebutsoon youwillrealisethatyou’llneedallthesestarstoget thebestcarsandupgradeswhichwillbeessential towinthelateronraces. Yourcarwillsimplybetoo slowornotheavyorslippyenoughtocompletethe game. It’sasystemIlovedanditdoesn’tfeelcheap. Of coursethisbeingamobilegameproducedby Gameloft,youcantaketheeasyrouteandbuythese starswithrealmoneythroughtheGooglePlaystore. AndifyouwanttoraceonlineviaWi-Fiagainstother opponentsstraightawaythenit’sprobablytheoption youwillhavetotakeasmostcheaters-sorrygamersonthereseemtoonlywanttoraceintheir overlysouped-upBugatti’s. SoyourpartiallycustomisedLamborghiniwillbe nochallengetothemajority. ThoughIhavetosay, I’vebattledsomefairlyhonestracersontheretoo. “AsphaltUrbanGTwasa launchgameforboththe ill-fatedNokiaN-Gageandthe not-so-ill-fatedNintendoDS backin2004. Itwasn’tagreat gameandyetitwasfarfrom terrible. Itjustdidn’tstandout fromthecrowd. Itjustdidn’t doanythingparticularly special. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 59

Theonlinemodeisfantasticallysimpleandseems packedtothegillswithreadyopponents. I’vehad manyagreatraceonmynightshiftat3am. Asphalt7:Adrenaline,itssequel,hasbetteronline optionscloselyresemblingEA’sAuto-logsystem. HoweverAsphalt7wasbrokeninanunfathomable way–itswidelyreportedframeratebugswhichI haveexperiencedfirst-hand. Therewasnoslow downassuchbutthereweremomentsinthegame whereyourcardisappearedforsplitsecondsor suddenlyjumpedtoanotherpartoftheroad. An updatehassolvedalotofstabilityandgraphics issues. It’snowrunningmoresmoothlythanever,on myphoneatleast. Theupdatebeforethat(seeminglytohelpcompatibilityandgraphicissuesontheNexus7)mademy versionunplayableforawhile. Thatis,thegame wouldcrashwhenstartingupanewgame. I’mpleasedtoreportthatthislatestupdateseemsto havefixedmostofthegremlinsthathamperedmy versionfor6months. Therehavebeensomechangestothegametoo. Thestarsystemisreplacedbyanewtiersystem, allowingyoutoonlyracecertaincarsincertain leaguesandit’sjustnotasmuchfunasreplaying andreplayingthatparticularrace,desperatelytrying tocapturethatthirdelusivestar. ButIthinkbothgamesareessentialpurchases, andwhatmakesthemspecialistheirsoundtracks. Iabsolutelylovethem. NFS‘sEATraxbollockshas alwaysirritatedme. I’dmuchratherhavethis. A strangehybridofDaftPunk,Justice,Calvin HarrisandHotChipinfluencesareperfectfodder forthistypeofracerandareworththedownload pricealone. 69pforAsphalt6or7. Mind-bogglingly goodvaluenomatterwhichwayyoulookatit. And suchaneasyrecommendation. It’smyfavourite, mostsurprisinggamingexperienceinthepastfew “Veryfewgaming experienceshave excitedmemorethan myatmum’shouseas anageingteenager. I hadagloriousgaming setup. A25inchNicam StereoTVconnectedto a500WattP. A. system,aPlayStation, anarcadesteering wheel,bigcomfyswivel chairandacopyof RidgeRacer. ”” PLAYING THE GAME 60 SMOKE & MIRRORS

years. Yes,itripsoffalmosteveryarcaderaceron theconsolesthatcamebeforeitbutit’sbetterthan most. Graphicallyequal. Andit’sfarcheapertoo. Andwhatoftheseriesfuture?Asphalt8:Infinity. Itseemsitisjustaroundthecorneralthough nospecificreleasedatehasbeenmentioned. It’s rumouredtobeoutthissummerbutwillitcapture thatsamemagic?Willitkeeptheessenceofthe game’sbeauty?Notaesthetics,ofcoursethegame willlookprettier. Willitdothatbyslappingoneven moreneon-drenched,nitroboosteddramatics? Wouldn’tthatpushittowardsbeingmoreofaDave Bowmanlife-forcetransferencesimulator?Wellit mightiftheykeepholdofthesimplearcade controls. Yetadeveloper’svideo,leakedon YouTube,revealstheyareconcentratingonmore “ButIthinkbothgamesare essentialpurchases,and whatmakesthemspecialis theirsoundtracks. I absolutelylovethem. NFS‘s EATraxbollockshasalways irritatedme. I’dmuchrather havethis. Astrangehybrid ofDaftPunk,Justice,Calvin HarrisandHotChip influencesareperfect fodderforthistypeofracer andareworththedownload pricealone. ”” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 61

realisticphysics. Doesthatmeanmorerealistic handling? Isthatwhatmade6and7greatgames? Thewaythecarbouncedoffhillocksontheroad? Watchingthewheelsrealisticallyturn?Notfrommy perspective. Iwastoobusytryingtowatchfor oncomingtrafficorpreventfellowracerstryingto rammeofftheroad. Doyouseemydilemma?Andthedevelopers? Wheredotheygofromthere?7barelychanged6but ithadbellsandwhistlesonandthatwasokay. But thissequel,yousense,needstochangecourse. At leastslightly. Butastepinwhichdirectionwillkeep mostfans,likeme,happy? Idon’tknow. Idon’tknowwhatIwantfromthe sequel. Idon’tknowwhatthehellIwantandI’m35 yearsoldnow. Iexpectnomatterwhattheydo,I’ll grudgeanychangewhatsoeveratfirst. “Whyaretheyruiningthegame,Pam?Mygame? ThegameIrecommendtoeveryone,evenifthey don’tlistentomeandinsteadplayTempleRunor AngryBirds?”I’llnodoubtwailthisouttomy girlfriendwhilstfiringupmysecondgameasshe doesthedishesinspiteofme. “Shutup. Yousaidtheexactsamethingabout7 becausetheychangedthestarthingandthena weeklateryouwouldn’tshutupabouthowgreata gamethatwas. It’llbejustlikethat. Giveitachance” she’llsay. Anddoyouknowwhat?She’sright. Yetformidability isnotaformalityinthisseries. Notyet. Isurehopeshe’sright. PLAYING THE GAME 62 SMOKE & MIRRORS

PLAYING THE GAME VS. Microsoft Sony LET’SGET READYTO RUMBLE! TECHNOLOGY IS ALWAYS MOVINGFORWARD, AND GAMING TECHNOLOGY IS NO EXCEPTION. SONY AND MICROSOFT WENT HEAD TO HEAD AT E3 ’ AND THE VERDICT IS IN. ALEXANDRA MCARTHUR LOOKS AT WHAT HAPPENED. Once again,we sawMicrosoftjumpintheringwith SonyforthetitleofUltimateGamingPlatform. Ifit hadbeenaboxingmatchitwouldhavebeenover quickly. ThenewXboxandthenewPlayStationhad beenthesubjectofheateddiscussionandrumorfor months. E3endedallthat. Firsttherehadbeenspeculationaboutthespecs. Therewastalkthatneithermachinewouldbeeven halfasgoodasthoseofan18montholdbudgetPC. InfactevenNVidia’sseniorVicePresidentofcontent anddevelopment,TonyTamasi,wadedintothe argumentbysaying:“ComparedtogamingPCs,the PS4specsareintheneighbourhoodofalow-end CPU,andalow-tomid-rangeGPUside”,whichwas 64 SMOKE & MIRRORS

especiallyasNVidiawerethecompany behindtheSonyPS3’sgraphicchip. Whatgotpeopletalkingevenmorewastheissue ofsecondhandgames. Microsoftappearedto beleavingthedooropentosomeformof“lock”. Sonytookfulladvantage,withaPR double-whammy whentheyruledthatout,and announcedbackwardcompatibilitywiththePS3at thesametime. IndustryexpertswhoattendedE3 saidthey’dneverseenanannouncementgreeted quitelikeit. Fewgamerswerethrilledattheprospectof havingtopaytopurchaseagame,andthennot beingabletoclaimfull“ownership”ofit. Did Microsoftnotrealizethattheirmovewouldgo downlikealeadweightwhentherewasa recessionon?Didtheynotstoptothinkthat forkingoutover£400fortheirconsole,andthen paying£45onaverageforeachnewgame,and thenpayingoutfortheirLivesubscriptiontoplay onlinewasenough?Wasitevergoingtobeother thanaPRdisaster? Sony’sdecisionwasgoodforthecompany,and goodforgamers. Itwasabrilliantlyexecuted maneuverthatwrongfootedMicrosoftcompletely. Microsoft’sresponsewastobacktrack, announcingonlydayslaterthattheywere rethinkingtheirstrategy. Theyhadnochoice really. The XboxOnewasgoingtobetheall singingalldancingcableTVplaying,Skype enabling,pizzaordering,“throwoutallyourother mediadevicesasthey’renowdefunct“settopbox, butallofitwouldhavebeenfornothinghadthey notputthewishesofthegamersfirst. Theirannouncement,madebyDonMattrick,the PresidentofInteractiveEntertainmentBusiness, wassuitablycontrite. “SinceunveilingourplansforXboxOne,myteam andIhavehearddirectlyfrommanyofyou,read yourcommentsandlistenedtoyourfeedback. I wouldliketotaketheopportunitytodaytothank youforyourassistanceinhelpingustoreshape thefutureofXboxOne. Youtoldushowmuchyou lovedtheflexibilityyouhavetodaywithgames deliveredondisc. Theabilitytolend,share,and resellthesegamesatyourdiscretionisof incredibleimportancetoyou. Alsoimportantto youisthefreedomtoplayoffline,foranylengthof time,anywhereintheworld. ” Hethenwentontopromiseanumberofchanges tothestrategy; aninternetconnectionwouldno longerberequiredtoplayofflineXboxOnegames. Therewouldbeno24hourconnection requirement,andtherewillbenolimitationsto usingorsharinggames. Bothcompaniestriedtopaintitasavictoryfor consumers. Somevictory. Weretaintherighttodo withourgameswhatwecandorightnow. It’snot ground-breaking. No,thiswasaPRwar,andthe victory,iftherewasone,wasofonesideagainst another,andinthatbattleSonytooktheprize. Thesalesfigureswilldeterminewhetherornot they’vebeenabletokeepit. Secondsout… “SONY’S DECISION WAS GOOD FOR THE COMPANY, AND GOOD FOR GAMERS. IT WAS A BRILLIANTLY EXECUTED MANEUVER THAT WRONG FOOTED MICROSOFT COMPLETELY. MICROSOFT’S RESPONSE WAS TO BACKTRACK, ANNOUNCING ONLY DAYS LATER THAT THEY WERE RETHINKING THEIR STRATEGY. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 65

For many Pink Floyd fans, their first time listening to The Dark Side of The Moon would have brought about one of those “where were you?” moments. Much like the way people talk about where they were when John F Kennedy was assassinated … only less macabre, obviously. Having been born in the wrong decade entirely, I often feel an irrational pang of annoyance and sadness that I never had the chance to experience the seminal excellence that is The Dark Side of The Moon as it blasted into public awareness for the first time. How dare my parents not have created me in time to fully appreciate this musical extravaganza in its prime! Growing up I was stuck in the middle of a hi-fi war between my dad and his love of heavy metal, and my mum and her obsession with all things Michael Bolton and Kenny G. Occasionally my younger sister would come along screaming and they would have to call a temporary ceasefire in favour of The Wheels On The Bus, but there was shockingly little time for Pink Floyd. In fact, the closest thing to progressive rock in our house was a Phil Collins cassette, I think it belonged to my mum. I had been browsing through the CD collection at the 40 YEARS ON THE DARK SIDE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME, WAS 40 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR. HERE, ALEXANDRA MCARTHUR LOOKS AT THIS GROUND-BREAKING CLASSIC, WITH LOVE, NOSTALGIA … AND ONE VERY BIG REGRET. local library when I first came across the album, sat there on a squeaking, rotating display sandwiched somewhere between Billy Ocean and Queen. Curiosity got the better of me as I cast my eyes over song titles such as The Great Gig In The Sky and Brain Damage. I had no idea as I checked the disc out, that within a matter of hours my eyes and ears would be truly opened. I can say without a shadow of a doubt this album showed me the error of my previous musical ways (all fifteen years of them!) and lit up a whole new path “The Dark Side of The Moon celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year, and I have no doubt that 40 years from now it willcontinue to have a profound effect on the future generations who discover it for the first time. Whether you love it or loathe it, there’s absolutely no denying the power and influence that Dark Side of The Moon wields. ” KING OF RETRO 66 SMOKE & MIRRORS

simultaneously. I needed to know more. I couldn’t believe music like this existed and wasn’t played on the radio. It was a genuine shock. Why are we not being taught about this in music class instead of learning Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da on the keyboard, and being yelled at for not dipping our recorders in the Tupperware tub of disinfectant for long enough?! The Dark Side of The Moon celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year, and I have no doubt that 40 years from now it will continue to have a profound effect on the future generations who discover it for the first time. Whether you love it or loathe it, there’s absolutely no denying the power and influence that Dark Side of The Moon wields. It remained in the charts for an impressive 741 weeks, and has held its own in the ranks of multiple “Best Album” lists across the world, although sometimes I am less than impressed by where it features. It was even hailed by Planet Rock listeners as the greatest album of all time. Planet Rock listeners also dubbed the cover artwork as the fourth greatest in history. It’s a piece of art that holds iconic stature even today. Storm Thorgerson’s prism cover art is undoubtedly one of the most recognised album covers in the world, and has been voted such in various opinion polls across music media. I often wonder if Storm realised what he was creating when he designed the artwork, if he had any idea that he would be about to play such a massive part in music history? The news of Storm Thorgerson’s passing after his long battle with cancer is extremely sad, and I have no doubt he will be greatly missed by those he has left behind. Even though he had designed artwork for bands such as Led Zeppelin and Muse, I will always remember him as the man who created that album art, the man who showed us The Dark Side of The Moon. Its music is an art-form that has been replicated (but never bettered) by many bands and acts over the years, their interpretations paying homage to what is irrevocably one of the greatest masterpieces of their time, our time and of times to come. It’s Pink Floyd’s best-selling album, and it’s no wonder it has gained that momentous title. There’s something extremely special about, not only one, but ten pieces of music that can reach into the depths of your being and touch you. It’s like a journey, you can just close your eyes and let the music wash over you like warm soothing water. Every heartbeat, every hair raising beautiful note, every spoken monologue and chime of laughter which runs through the veins of this album transports you to a place where you can just forget everything. Nothing else matters in that exact moment, it’s just you and the music. In the words of Peter Watts: “I can’t think of anything to say except. . . I think it’s marvelous!” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 67

FirstHugh,thanksfortalkingtoSmoke&Mirrors. Mypleasure!Thanksforhavingme. “Wool”reallyputyouonthemap. Tellusaboutyour writingupuntilthatpoint. BeforeWool,Ihadwrittenandpublishedsevenor eightnovels. Theywerehavingdecentsuccessfor asmall-timeauthor. Inthreeyears,Ihadsoldfive thousandbooksorso. WhenIwroteWool,itwasjust ashortstorythatIfiguredhadnorealcommercial potential. IwroteitandputitonAmazonfor99cents andforgotaboutit. Nevermarketeditatall. Talkusthroughthebasicsofthestory,forthosewho haven’treadit? Woolisaboutasocietyforcedunderground. They havetobeself-sufficient. Theyhavetogetalong. Thisworldhasharshrules,likeeverybirthrequiring adeathandnotbeingallowedtotalkabouttheoutside. Ifyoutalkabouttheoutside,youarebanished. Thestorybeginswithasheriffwhoquestionsthese ruleshe’smeanttouphold. Thingsspiraloutofcontrolwhenamechanicfromthedowndeep,Juliette, takeshisjobanddigsevenfurther. Tellusaboutthesuccessof“Wool”. Whendidyou realiseitwasstartingtomove? Aboutthreemonthsafterpublication,itstarted outsellingeverythingelseI’deverwritten. InOctober of2011alone,Isoldathousandcopies. Reviewsand emailswerepouringin,askingmetowritemore. So IstoppedwhatIwasworkingonandfinishedwhat becametheWoolOmnibus. You’vebecomeprettyfamousonthebackofthis. What’sthatbeenlike? “HUGHHOWEYISONEOFINDEPENDENTPUBLISHING’S RISINGSTARS. HISBOOK“WOOL”BECAMEAN OVERNIGHTSENSATION,WINNINGSUCHACCLAIMTHAT RIDLEYSCOTTHIMSELFHASTAKENTHEMOVIERIGHTS. HESPOKETOSMOKE&MIRRORSRECENTLYABOUTHIS RISE…ANDRISE…ANDRISE…“ WOOL:SPINNING A GOOD TALE 68 SMOKE & MIRRORS

It’sbeenweird. Idon’tthinkofmyselfasbeing famous. It’shardtostresshowseriouslynaïveIam aboutmystatusasanauthor. Idon’tevenfeellikean author,really. I’mjustaguywhowrites. Thesecondbookisonsalenow. Whatcanyoutellus aboutit? ShiftisquiteadeparturefromWool. Ittellsthestory ofhowthisworldcametobe,whoisbehindthesilo, andwhattheirplanforthefutureis. It’sadarkstory. Ihadalotoffunbranchingoutandwritingit. ThemovierightshavebeensnappedupbyRidley Scott. What’sthatlike? Unreal. Justadreamcometrue. Whetherornot thefilmgetsmade,havingRidleyScottandSteve Zaillianexpressinterestandadmiremyworkhas beenincrediblyhumbling. Thescreenplayisbeing wrappeduprightnow,andIcan’twaittoreadit. If thefilmgetsmade,thatwillbethepinnacleofmy crazylittlelife. Whatotherprojectsareyouworkingon? Rightnow,I’mwrappingupDust,whichisthethird andfinalbookintheseries. Oncethat’sdone,I’m goingtowriteanotherbookinmyMollyFydeseries, andI’vegotahalfdozenideastochoosefromafter that. You’reawonderfuladvocateforself-published writers,andthewholeself-publishingbusiness. Do youreallythinkit’sthefutureofpublishing? Ithinkit’salargepartofthefutureofpublishing. I thinkitwillbethepathformoreandmoreauthorsto begintheircareers. Andwhenyoucomparewriting withotherartforms,thatdoesn’tseemsostrange. Idon’tseeself-publishingasbreakingnewground; Iseeitasjoiningalltheotherartforms. Whathas changedisthecostofproducinganddistributing books,whichisnowpracticallyfree. “Idon’tthinkofmyselfas beingfamous. It’shardto stresshowseriouslynaïve Iamaboutmystatusasan author. Idon’tevenfeellike anauthor,really. I’mjusta guywhowrites. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 69

SciFiByTheSeaisthebrainchildoftheBayPromo team,theguysbehindannualZombieCrawland variousotherevents,includinganupcomingTitanic Ball. Theiraimistoputthissmallcoastaltownon themapasamajorhostofnewevents,andafter experiencingthis,Ithinkthey’redefinitelyonthe righttrack. Thisquiet,coastalcommunitywasquite literallyinvadedbyallmannerofstrangecostumes andcreatures. Itwastrulyoutofthisworld. IstumbledontothiseventwhenIattendedthe ZombieCrawlacoupleofyearsago,withScott,one ofthemembersoftheirteam. Wewentforadrink afterwards,surroundedbypeoplewho’denjoyed theeventandwerealisedhowintothewholething peoplehadgot. Thereweresomewho’dcome alonginfullcostume,andScottrealisedtherewasa chancetodosomethingevenbigger. Fastforwardayear,tothenextcrawl. ScottandI Somewhere in a coastal town not that far away. . hadstayedincontact,andhe’dbeentalkingtoalot ofpeoplewho’dheardoftheevent,andagroupof localsci-fifanspoppedup,includingaguywitha fullsizeC3P0costumeandaremoteR2D2. Alocal shopkeepercamealong,withafullsizedDalekand anotherlocalshowedupwithaTardis! There’ssomethingcoolaboutrealisingevena communitylikethisonehasallthesesci-fipeople hidinginplainsight!Welaughedaboutthat. Yetitwasn’tuntiltheteamheardaboutHerneBay localMichaelLakethattheyreallystartedthinking aboutgettingalltheseguystogetherinoneplace IT’S21JUNE2013ANDASMALLCOASTALTOWNINKENT HASBEENOVERRUNBYLITERALLYHORDESOFSTORMTROOPERS,DALEKS,ANDAGIGANTICINFLATABLEMARSHMALLOWMAN. THOMBURGESSWASTHERE,ALONGWITHTHOUSANDSOFSCIFIFANS FROMACROSSKENTANDFURTHERAFIELD! “ local artists and craftsman have brought their models on show including a full scale replica ED-209 (Robocop), Speederbike (Starwars), a Deception police car (Transformers) and much more. ” 70 SMOKE & MIRRORS

andputtingonapropersci-fithemedshow,notonly toshowcasethegenre,buttocelebratewithallthe localguysandgirlswhohadturnedoutatthe ZombieCrawlintheirwonderfulget-ups. TheyvisitedMichaelandfoundthathehadfullsize propsmadeoutofcerealboxes. Thisisreal commitment. HehadanR2,anEd209andan assortmentofotheritems,bothweirdandwonderful. MichaelLakewastherealinspirationbehindthe wholeevent,andhe’sanall-roundniceguytoo,who putshisheartandsoulintothecreationshemakes. Thosecreations,andothers,wereonfulldisplayat thisfirstSciFiByTheSea. Thequeueshadformedatthegateswellbefore11 withfansincostume,eagertogetaglimpseofsome ofthecelebritiesarrivingontheday. Theywalked amongstthemeremortals,signingautographs;the ex-DrWhoColinBaker,FemiTaylor(OolafromStar Wars),TimRose(AdmiralAckbarfromStarWars) PaulMarkham(ReturnOfTheJedi,Batman, Superman)StephanieEnglish(TheEmpireStrikes Back)andmanymore. TheUKGhostbusterswereonhandtoo,toensure theeventwaskeptspookfree,andtheybrought alongtheirhugeblowupStayPuftMarshmallow Man,whichreallyisasighttosee. Thelocalartistsandcraftsmanbroughtalongtheir modelstoo,includingafullscalereplicaED-209,a Speederbike,aDecepticonpolicecarandmany others. It’shardtoimaginethekindofcommitment andtimeittakestocraftoneoftheseartefacts,and theydeserveanaudience. Addedtothis,therewereahostofcomicbookand cultTVandfilmmerchandisestalls,includingthe likesofCosmicCartwheels,andPhoenixFantasy comics,fromMargate,allwithahugerangeofitems forsale,rangingfromlenticularscifiartto Americanchocolatebars. Theguysalsoprovidedentertainment,bringingin arangeoflocalactsheadlinedbyBritain’sGot Talent’sveryownMartyBroekman,whobroughthis ownunique80stwisttotheevent,gettingthecrowds bouncingevenintherain,whichsoonstopped. Therewereafewminorteethingproblems,whichis onlytobeexpectedasitwasthefirst,butoverallit wasagreatinauguralconventionforsci-fifans,and awelcomeadditiontothegrowingpopularityofthe areaasavenueforgreatevents. Itiscertainlyonly thefirstofmany. FormoreinformationonupcomingSciFiByThe Sea&Baynewskeepaneyeontheteam’s Facebookandwebsitewww. baypromoteam. co. uk. , andyoucandownloadtheirfreeappattheApple andAndroidstore. MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 71

He’sbeenintheindustryformorethan30years, kickingoffhisillustriouscareerwithstapleUK comic2000ADbeforebeingsnappedupbyDCand spearheadingthe“BritishWave”–aninfluxofBritishtalentthatrevolutionisedtheAmericancomics marketandchangedthewaycomicswerewritten forever,alongsidesuchluminariesasAlanMoore andNeilGaiman. Granthascreatedsomeofthemostsuccessfuland definitiverunsonamultitudeofmainstream comics–JLA,NewX-Men,DoomPatrolandBatmantonamebutafew;butmostlyit’shiscreator ownedworkthatstandsbald,gleamingdomeand shouldersabovetherest. HislatestcreatorownedseriesHappy–thealmost Disney-esque*taleofabrokenformercopturned hitmanwho,post-coma,iscapableofseeingatiny blue,flyinghorsewhocantalk-isabouttohitshops intradepaper-backform. (*“Disney-esque”inasleazy,drug-fuelled,violent, adultkindofway. ) TocelebratethereleaseofHappy,Itakealookatthe SevenGreatestComicBookswrittenbyGrant Morrison. GRANT MORRISON IS A FORCE OF NATURE. THE 53 YEAR OLD SCOTTISH COMIC BOOK WRITER IS AN ICONOCLAST OF THE COMIC BOOK INDUSTRY; HE’S A COUNTERCULTURAL ICON, CHAOS MAGICIAN, MUSICIAN, OCCULTIST, PUNK. HERE,JOHN PAUL FITCH LOOKS AT HIS FINEST PIECES OF WORK KING OF RETRO 7 GRANT MORRISON’S SEVENGREATEST COMICBOOKS 72 SMOKE & MIRRORS All work copyright Grant Morrison, 2013

1. TheInvisibles. What’stobesaidaboutGrantMorrison’sMagnum Opusthathasn’talreadybeensaid? Thetaleofa cabalofsuperspiesprotectingrealityfroman inter-dimensionalinvasionwasaconsummate counterculturalmanifestoandpopcultureguide. It’sastrangepsychedelichybrid;thebastardchild ofaglobe-trottingJamesBond-stylespytalewith McGoohan-esqueThePrisonersensibilities. The Invisiblesadroitlymapsamind-bendingstoryof transvestiteShamans,psychicassassins,street punkBuddha’s,darkscorpiongods,time-travel, UFO’s,Magickandinter-dimensionalinvasions. It’sinfluencedwesternpopcultureiseasilyseen,it waspracticallycopiedbyTheWachowski Brothers(nowBrotherandSister)inthecreationof theuniverseofTheMatrix. ItwasahugeHyper-Sigil whichreflectedbackontheauthor’slife;somuchso thatplotdevelopmentsthathappenedtoparticular charactersweremirroredinGrant’spersonallife. Atonepointoneofthemaincharacters,KingMob,is struckdownbyaflesheatingvirusandontheverge ofdeath. Thisplotdevelopmentwasparalleled whenMorrisonwasstruckdownwithalifethreateningStaphinfectionthatatepartofhischeek andledtoanextendedstayinhospital. ThestoryofTheInvisiblesfollowsoneofmanycells ofTheInvisibleCollege. LedbytheenigmaticKing Mob,thegroupismadeupofBraziliantransvestite ShamanLordFanny,formerNewYorkcop,Boy, “TheInvisiblestask istofreehumanityfrom their enslavement,to wakeusup. However, simplifyingthebookto thisslenderplotdoes theseriesagreat disservice. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 73

RaggedRobin–atelepathfromthefuturewhohas amysteriousbackstory,andJackFrost,ateenage Liverpudlianhooliganwhomayormaynotbethe reincarnationofBuddha. Theplotfollowsthiscellintheirbattlesagainstthe ArchonsoftheOuterChurch,apowerfulforcefrom anotherdimensionwhichhasalreadyenslaved muchofhumanity. TheInvisiblestaskistofree humanityfromtheirenslavement,towakeusup. However,simplifyingthebooktothisslenderplot doestheseriesagreatdisservice. Forexample,takethefirstmajoradventureforthe Invisibles,Arcadia. Infourissuesweexperiencea labyrinthinetime-traveltaleinvolvingShelley,Byron, theMarquisdeSade,adisturbingrecreationof120 DaysofSodom,andthedecapitatedheadofJohn theBaptist. TheoverallplotofTheInvisiblesisjustaframework forMorrison’sepiccosmologythatspansseven tradesand1500pages. Arichveinofdualityruns throughtheseries;weareconstantlygiven juxtaposingideas;orderandchaos,freedomand control,timeandtimelessness,buttheseopposing themescollapseandarecondensedtowardstheend oftheseries. Morrisonmakesitclearthatdualityis anillusion,thereisno“ThemandUs”,noYinand Yang,thereisonlyonething,oneexistenceandwe’re alljustviewingitfromdifferentsides. AsanopentextTheInvisiblescanbeconsidered thecomicbookequivalentofFinnegan’sWake. It hasmeaninglayereduponmetaphor,smotheredin symbolismandideas. Ithasthemesofphilosophy,theology,cosmology, conspiracytheory,metaphysics,gnosticism,chaos magickandpopmusic. Itdrawsfromadiversepool ofworkthatprecededit,clearlyinfluencedbythe writingsofRobertAntonWilson,WilliamBurroughs, BrionGysin,andprominentchaosmagiciansPeter J. CarrollandPhilHine. Theysaythebeststoriesleaveyouchanged. “The Invisibles”isarevolutionincomicform. 2. All-StarSuperman. Ilovethiscomic. There,Isaidit. IhaveneverreadamoreaffectingbookthanGrant MorrisonandFrankQuitely’sAll-StarSuperman. Theplotisalmostirrelevant;intheactofsavinga scientificexpeditiontothesurfaceoftheSun, Supermanexposeshimselftoalethaldoseofsolar radiation. Thefollowingtwelveissuesofthisseriesborderon themythical. ItexploresnotonlyClarke’srelationshipwithLoisbuthisrelationshiptodeath,death ofhisadoptedfather,thedeathofhisplanetofbirth andchartsSuperman’squesttoleavemankindable toprotectitselfwhenhe’sfinallygone. Itexplores therealityofamanweallthoughtinvinciblefacing hisinherentdoomandthesacrificeshemakesfor humanity. TheseriesendswithSupermansacrificinghimself tosaveourSunwhichwascriticallydamagedinhis finalstandoffwithhismortalenemy–LexLuthor. Supermanismorethanameresuperhero;he’sthe Alpha,thefirstamongstmany. He’severymythic godyou’veeverreadabout. Thepathos,the emotionandthepurelovethatemanatesfromthis booktranscendsstorytelling. It’sanabsolutemasterpieceandIurgeeachand everycomicbookfantogooutandpickupthisepic KING OF RETRO 74 SMOKE & MIRRORS

seriesinitstwowonderfultradepaperbacks. It celebratesSupermanasmorethanahero,though. Itcelebrateshimasaman,agod,ascientistanda humanist. All-StarSupermangivesusallashiningexampleof whatitmeanstobegodly,oftheultimatepotential ofthehumanbeing. ThroughSupermanweseethe richtapestryofthehumanconditionexaltedand purified;ironicconsideringthatSupermanis essentiallyanalienpretendingtobeahuman,anda superheropretendingtobeanordinaryman. AllStarSupermanisabsolutelygorgeoustolookat. FrankQuitely’sartsetsitabovethenormalcomic fare,transcendingthemedium. Thereisnobetter pencillerworkingtodayincomicsthanGlaswegian FrankQuitely. AllStarSupermanutilisesacutting edgedigitalinkingprocessbyJamieGrant (workingoutofGlasgow’sHopeStreetstudios)that lendsthecomicaclassicpalette,roundingoffthe senseofmajestyandgrandeur. It’sawonderfullywrittenbook;Grantisfiringonall cylindersandisathismostmagisterialinhis writing. It’sherethatMorrison’sloveforthemedium ofcomics,theformatandtheheroescomesshining throughintellingthisepic,yetdeeplypersonalstory ofthegreatestsuperheroofthemall. 3. WE3. SimplyputWE3isamoderndayWatershipDown. Asweepingthreeissuetaleofatrioofbionically augmentedanimals;redundantmilitary experiments,whoafterbeingdecommissionedand scheduledtobeeuthanised,escapeandtrytomake theirwaybackhometotheiroriginalownerswhile ontherunfromthepursuingarmy. WE3isviolent,yetdeeplyemotional. Thebook touchesonthesameissuesthatMorrisonbased hisdefinitiveAnimalManrunon–animal experimentation–andalsoonanissueclosetohis heart,themilitaryindustrialcomplexanditsapproachtomodernwarfare. YetanothermagnificentbookproducedbyHope StreetStudios,withFrankQuitelyonartdutiesagain (there’sapatterndevelopinghere!) Therearesome pagesinWE3thattotallycircumventthenormal panellingmethodology. Frankplayswiththeidea thatspaceincomicsequalstimepassingandin doingsoredefineshowcomicspanellingshouldbe laidoutonapage. Therearethingsinthisbookthatyou’veneverseen “ThroughSupermanwe seetherichtapestryof thehumancondition exaltedandpurified; ironicconsideringthat Supermanisessentially analienpretendingto beahuman,anda superheropretending tobeanordinaryman. ” MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 75

inacomicbefore(orevensince). Forexampleatthe startofthebooktherearefourpagesof32panels, shownasscreenshotsofCCTVcameraswhich charttheescapeofourheroictrio. Notasinglewordisspokenbyanycharacter throughoutthese Morrisondevelopedalanguagefor1(Dog),2(Cat) and3(Rabbit),asimpleyeteffectivetext-speakthat allowedhimtoconveytheanimalsfeelingsand thoughtsthatwaspowerfulenoughtoletusfeel theiremotions. Thebookisatourdeforceof storytellingeconomy,tellingthestorythrough imagesandactionratherthandialogue(aswould beexpected). Thestorybarrelsalongatabreakneck paceandneverletsuptillthebittersweetend. An uber-violenttearjerker. 4. NewX-Men. Historicallyspeaking,almosteverysingleX-Men writerhasstruggledtoliveuptoChrisClaremont’s definitiverunwitheveryone’sfavouritemutant superheroteam. ThenG-Mozzacamealongand redefinedhowreadersfeltaboutmutants. Alongsidelong-timecollaboratorFrankQuitely,as wellasLeinelFrancisYu,IgorKordey,EthanVan Sciver,JohnPaulLeon, KieronGrant,PhilJimenez, MarcSilvestriandChrisBachalo;Morrisontook whatwasessentiallyatangledwebofinter-related storiesandstreamlinedit,whilstaddingafewofhis owniconicmutants,givingusabrandnewX-Men title. Byfocussingnotontheestablishedadultmutants andinsteadcentringthestoriesontheyounger studentsat“TheXavierInstituteforHigher Learning”;NewX-Menfeltnovelandfresh. Grant tookadifferentapproachtoNewX-menfrompast writers;hewroteitasifitwasasoapopera. Grant didn’tplanmanyplotpointsinadvance,hewrote NewX-Meninareactionary,organicway,working witheachstorylineasitcametohim. Thisapproachlentthecomicacharacter-driven vibe,especiallywithGrant’shandlingofScott Summers–possiblythefirstwriterinmanyayear nottotakeWolverineasthemaincharacter–and placinghimfrontandcentreintheteam. ItwasonlynaturalconsideringCyclops’internal conflictsasleaderoftheX-Men,hisstruggleswith leadershipandhisplaceinalovetrianglebetween JeanGreyandEmmaFrost. Evertheforwardthinker,Grantbroughtintwo importantaspectstothecharacterofBeast–one, thatBeastwasgayandtwo,Beastunderwenta secondevolutionarymutationsothatheresembled alionratherthanamonkeyorape. NotoneforskirtingcontroversyGrantreceivedsome criticismforhishandlingoftheXornplotlinewhere thecharacterwasrevealedtohavebeenan amnesiacMagnetoallalong. Withitsrichhistoryandevenrichergoldmineof Grant’sfertileimagination,NewX-Menwasa Marvel,plainandsimple. KING OF RETRO 76 SMOKE & MIRRORS

5. AnimalMan. Grant’sveryfirst“Big”comic. HiredbyDCon theirUKTalentHarvest,Grantpitched AnimalManandwasimmediatelysnapped up. Ahugesupporterofanimalrights,Granttook aC-listsuperheroandturnedhimintoan A-listerbysubvertingthesuperherogenre andtakingAnimalManintothemetauniverse. Duringthecourseofhisarc,AnimalMan comestotherealisationthathisdestinyand hislifeisbeingcontrolledbyapowerfulbeing knownas“TheWriter”(thefirstappearance ofGrantMorrisoninfictionalform!)Animal Manbeginsajourneyofconscious awakeningtillhecanconfrontTheWriter andaskhimwhyhewassubjectedtosuch tragedyandinjustice. Itwasinthisstorythatthelargerworldfirst caughtaglimpseofGrant’sgeniusandwhets thepublic’sappetiteformoreforward thinking,mindbendingwriting. 6. Supergods. I’mcheatinghere. The6thentryisn’tacomic,it’san actualbook,areallife,hardbackbook. Andnotjust anyoldbook,abookworthyofitsownreligion. GrantMorrison’sSupergodsisaconcisehistoryof comicsinterweavedwithalifestorythat’sonepart magical,onepartimaginaryand100%gobsmackinglyinteresting. Granttakesusthroughthebirthofthesuperhero, fromtheveryfirstissueofActionComics,complete withananalysisofthecoverart,throughthegolden andsilverages,throughthedarkageofthe80’sand 90’sandintothemodernday. Grantparallelsthese milestonesincomichistorywithhispersonal biographyofhisevolutionnotonlyasawriterbut asahumanbeing. It’sabrilliantreadandonethat everycomicfanshouldinvestin. MOVIES / GAMING/TV/RETRO & MORE 77

7. Zenith. Grant’firstpropercomicbookserieswasfor 2000ADandwastitledZenith. Imaginingwhathe wouldgetuptoifhewasasuperhero,Grantwrotea personalandaffectingsuperherostorythattapped intotheculturalzeitgeist(thefirstofmanyoccasions he’ddoso)towritewhatthiswriterconsidersasthe firstclassicofhisillustriousandglitteringcareer. Zenithwasaproductofhistimes. RobertMcDowell wasZenith–thesonoftwo60’s-era,hippy-ish, ex-superheroes. Zenithwaslazyandreluctant,he wasaspoiledrichkidwhoreallywantedtosingin arockbandratherthanfightLovecraftianevilelder gods(wouldn’tweall). Theseriesenjoyedsuchplotdevelopmentsand charactersas–NaziScientists,theCIA,Alternate Universes,charactersmadeentirelyofthought, multi-dimensionalUniversesfeaturingcomicbook charactersofyesteryear,fractalmathematics,and theideaofourSunbeingusedasanincubatorfor theoffspringoftheaforementionedElderGods. Neverlackinginimagination,Zenithwasa spectacularcomicbook. Andsocometherunnersup… 18Days,DoomPatrol,TheFilth,Flex Mentallo,ArkhamAsylum, -ASeriousHouse,OnASeriousEarth. “Duringthecourse ofhisarc,AnimalMan comestotherealisation thathisdestinyandhis lifeisbeingcontrolled byapowerfulbeing knownas“TheWriter” (thefirstappearanceof GrantMorrisonin fictionalform!)” Itdoesn’tmatterinwhichordertorateGrant’sbody ofwork,what’simportantisthatyoureaditandopen yourmindtoaplethoraofnewandradicalideas. ReadingGrant’sworkislikeanAyahuascatrip,it’s sometimesconfronting,sometimesconfusing,butit’s alwaysgoodforyouandyoualwaysleavewithmore thanyouwentinwith. Tillnexttime! KING OF RETRO 78 SMOKE & MIRRORS

THE THINGS YOU LOVE. COVERED. w o r l d e x c l u s i v e f i r s t i s s u e • d o w n l o a d n o w o n AMPED UPISSUE1•AUGUST2013 DELECROIX’S BIG INTERVIEW: Felicien talks to Gerry Corr of STG Promotions DAVID’S BIG INTERVIEW THE MUSIC MAN: James Forrest talks to Gerry Cinnamon about his life’s work in music THE TURNAROUND: George Paterson talks about the lunch date that changed his life. ALSO IN OUR FIRST ISSUE: CHERYL SCOTT / HERCULEAN / EDDIE & THE T-BOLTS / SHE CRIED WOLF / THE HOLY GHOSTS / THE SLIM PANATELLAS / BELTUR / PARALLAX FACTION AND MUCH MORE . . . . LOCAL HEROESGlasvegas are the first cover stars for Amped Up Magazine Scotland. Read our exclusive interview FAMOUS TARTAN ARMY MAGAZINEwww. Famoustartanarmy. comIssue 14 IN THIS ISSUE : WEMBLEY HERE WE COME! CROATIA MATCH AFTERMATH. A LOOK BACK AT THE AULD RIVALRY. INTERVIEWS WITH GORDON STRACHAN,CRAIG BROWN, BILLY STARK AND DARREN FLETCHER HAPPY TO PROMOTE ALBAGU BRÀTH! & MIRRORS SMOKE M O V I E S / G A M I N G / T V / R E T R O & M O R E w o r l d e x c l u s i v e f i r s t i s s u e • d o w n l o a d n o w o n In Praise of. . . . We talk the genius potions of Heisenburg A Day at the Movies. . . James looks at Tony Stark’s triumphant return! Retro Games. . . We revisit the awesome C64 computer PLUS : TV / MOVIE REVIEWS / DANIEL CRAIG / AVENGERS 2 / JUSTICE LEAGUE AND MORE PUBLISHING MADE SIMPLE www. lbmpublishing. com